Possibly, but it would be harder. Basically what happened was the down-shift created major engine braking. It was similar to pulling the e-brake. On a FWD car, it would be like slamming on the front brakes only. I would think if you did loose traction you would plow forward instead of fish-tailing. With a Contour the Diff would prolly shatter, then the tranny would lock right up and thus the front wheels.
