The Mk5 GTI has TC as part of ESP. The ESP can be switched off via a button in front of the gear stick.
Actually, it is just the traction control and EDL which you can switch off, even though the button says ESP. When you press the button, and the warning light stays on, what actually happens is the TC and EDL elements are completely disabled, but the yaw correction of the ESP is still active. Even "hot" Dubs are subjected to "nanny state" rules. However, dont forget that the GTI already has a more aggressive "sports bias" to the basic ESP settings, so you really need to be going like an utter tool to get the ESP working with the button pressed.
In the VAG range, only Audi RS models have a fully "turn off-able" ESP, and it can only be done when the car is stationary.
The ESP always defaults to being On whenever the ignition is switched on. On the road I always drive with ESP On - Imo it's not a matter of proving you're a man by switching it Off! But different cars behave differently.
To an extent, I agree, particularly with demonstrating the size of your cahonies! However, the Golf 5, even the poverty spec models, have such a neutral and well-balanced chassis, that pressing the ESP button really doesn't create any dramas. The only real Golf 5 which needs the ESP on all the time is the GT TDI 170.
Don't ask me about the exact structure regarding TC and ESP on the Mk5 - It gets complicated! But the TC icon in the speedo lights up every time the wheels are losing traction and signifies the ESP coming to the rescue.
The yellow light will flash for both (or either
) ESP, EDL, or traction control. So it isn't really very easy to determine which part of the ESP/ASR/ABS/EDL system is working.
One result of having a mechanical diff like the Quaife is that the TC sensor system is less frequently called upon to instruct the ESP (or however it works). In other words, the ESP follows the Quaife's physical responses rather than rely on electronic sensors which can either go wrong or get dirty like my Wheel Speed Sensors did and which probably then fooled my ESP into action which caused wheel snatching in compensation - Not confidence inspiring!!
Someone who knows more than I do may post that I'm talking bollox but I offer this as being to the best of my knowledge.
Yup. You pretty much nailed it there.
The only thing I can really add is that the Quaife is more "proactive", in that it prevents things getting out of shape in the first place. Whereas the ESP/EDL/ASR systems are more "reactive", in that they attempt to pull things back in line only after things have gone a little pear shaped. The whole ESP system is mighty quick though - you would need to be seriously talented to try and "beat" its reactions.
Having spent as much as £1,500 on any mod, the placebo effect naturally comes into play - You say to yourself (or your SWMBO) "Of course it works well - I spent all that money on it and of course I make the best decisions". However, the Quaife is something which has such a physical result that it's not simply your butt-dyno. Whether spending the money is worth it to you or not can only be your decision but I have no regrets and everybody who has either done the same or owned a FWD car with LSD already installed, has nothing but good to say about it - It's an often overlooked mod.
I agree it is a superb mod, but very pricy.
And just to be slightly pedant again, the Quaife isnt actually a "limited slip" diff, but actually an "automatic torque bias-ing" diff. The two work very different, and give very different results. An ATB diff is far superior to an LSD.
If your ownership of a Mk5 GTI doesn't occasionally involve spirited driving (as appropriate) then it's not really worth it. Installation involves open heart surgery (by someone who really knows what they are doing on DSG) and you will not see any money back - You ain't gonna be removing it come sale time! But I love driving and am enjoying the benefits and have no plans to sell my GTI - It's too good an allrounder - Fun and very practical.
If you love track days (I haven't driven any) I'd say that the Quaife and a big brake kit like AP's are a must!! £3-grand for those two mods though.
Serious wonga, but then serious rewards, especially for the "all-weather" advantages that the diff can give.
