Traction control (esp) can someone please explain?

[helooooo]

Sorry to jump on your thread johntheboy.

But.....I have a Golf MK4 1.8 T GTi 99 plate which doesnt have ESP, can this be installed as an extra? is it worth it? and how much would it cost please?

[Mk1Mad J - 16v]

I found the ESP on my mk5 hire car to be a complete waste of time and at times a little dangerous, all it ever did was cut out the power when i needed it the most 

Come into a bend nice & quick quick with plans of a bit of sideways action before powering out and you'll see what I mean 

[Rhyso]

Sorry to jump on your thread johntheboy.

But.....I have a Golf MK4 1.8 T GTi 99 plate which doesnt have ESP, can this be installed as an extra? is it worth it? and how much would it cost please?

cheaper and quicker to buy an ESP equipped car.  Alternatively go do some advanced driver training to improve

the button had (im guessing) switched it on as the traction control light was on on my dash....

as for the conditions it was wet and i understeered and went streight on!!! not very nice!

your control at the limit 

hitting the button switches the system OFF hence why the light appears permanently in the dash.  it should only appear when you're giving it some beans and thinks you're in trouble so it engages and tries to sort you out............

[Dub_Dude_16v]

If the light is on constantly on your dash then it means the system is disabled (press button again to enable). If the light is off but flashed on and off when you loose traction then the system is enabled.

Hope that helps. 

[A7 UFO]

But.....I have a Golf MK4 1.8 T GTi 99 plate which doesnt have ESP, can this be installed as an extra? is it worth it? and how much would it cost please?

Fit an ATB diff!  £500 imported from the states and a couple hundred quid to fit if that.  Its with this level of technology that you now have fwd hatches running sub 5secs to 60mph.  What diff do you think the Focus RS used that Jeremy Clarkeson said was so "trick"?

[helooooo]

But.....I have a Golf MK4 1.8 T GTi 99 plate which doesnt have ESP, can this be installed as an extra? is it worth it? and how much would it cost please?

Fit an ATB diff!  £500 imported from the states and a couple hundred quid to fit if that.  Its with this level of technology that you now have fwd hatches running sub 5secs to 60mph.  What diff do you think the Focus RS used that Jeremy Clarkeson said was so "trick"?

In a word........eh? 

Sorry but that made no sense to me besides £500 outta pocket for what?? 

I take it that installing ESP is not worth it then?

Thanks

[A7 UFO]

I take it that installing ESP is not worth it then?

Correct.  ESP is an electric program that cuts power when it senses a wheel slipping.  An ATB (auto torque biasing) differential is a mechanical system that directs power from the slipping wheel to the wheel with more grip.  Hence instead of increasing control by cutting power it increases the transfer of power thus making the car faster.  Much better.

[johntheboy]

ok cheers people, at least i know where i stand now!! so if i end up going streight on when im trying to turn in a tight bend.... is it going to kick in then?? And i take it i turn off the traction control if i want to have 'a bit of fun'

[A7 UFO]

I wouldn't say front wheels spinning up is fun....unless you want to wear down your tyres really quickly.  But yes, a differential would go some way towards powering through under steer.

[Fielder]

^^ I Thaught VW Golf GTIs had that already?