how much better are 283s than standard dt brakes?

[powerandtorque]

C5's are positively normal compared to Citroen's of old with the high pressure LHM brakes and pedal controlled valve. The pedal was pretty much an on/off switch in those until you got used to it (did work well once you did mind)

I'm sure you can imagine the results when I first got a Xantia after driving around in a servo-less Mk1 Fiesta for 6 months...