Regular twang revisited...

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Originally Posted by ACTGTI

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I'm fairly certain it's the ESP being a pain in the backside as it's definitely braking only the two inside wheels, throwing the balance of the car mid-corner.

ESP/TC off at the same speed through the same corner with ~1/4 throttle (it's a long smooth corner, only keeping enough throttle to maintain momentum.... it's definitely not the TC cutting in) gives a much quicker and smoother experience, and removes the balance issues.

I've noticed similar issues previously on other undulating road surfaces.

And yes, stock suspension.

with regards to ESP and ABS, if your inputs are smooth you can load the car up significantly before they intervene. Even in track conditions, it's rare that ESP or ABS has interferred. Undulations are obviously going to invoke it more due to the unloaded weight distribution - which is exactly what happens when the car slides.

Most enthusiasts may be happy for the car to slide a bit (i.e. wanting less interference), but put your loved one in it, I'm sure the level of inference is fine if it gets them home safely. Or saves your bacon when you have a brain explosion.

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Originally Posted by seangti

with regards to ESP and ABS, if your inputs are smooth you can load the car up significantly before they intervene. Even in track conditions, it's rare that ESP or ABS has interferred. Undulations are obviously going to invoke it more due to the unloaded weight distribution - which is exactly what happens when the car slides.

Most enthusiasts may be happy for the car to slide a bit (i.e. wanting less interference), but put your loved one in it, I'm sure the level of inference is fine if it gets them home safely. Or saves your bacon when you have a brain explosion.

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I don't mind interference when it helps, not hinders, the driving experience.

A good example of interference done right is any of the modern EVO's (VIII, IX and X). It's truly idiot proof performance thanks to the active center diff being intelligent about the power, and instead of running to the hills when traction loss is detected, the system automatically adjusts the power to go to the wheels that still have traction.

On the flip side, I'd rather not have traction control, stability control, abs and whatever else they decide to put on in the future if it means it's going to deter from my experience behind the wheel. For the Polo, most of the time the ESP/TC system falls into this category... and as such I turn it off.

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Originally Posted by break

On the flip side, I'd rather not have traction control, stability control, abs and whatever else they decide to put on in the future if it means it's going to deter from my experience behind the wheel. For the Polo, most of the time the ESP/TC system falls into this category... and as such I turn it off.

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I started a thread on this most of a year ago, got slammed by a few people...

The only time I think its required is when its wet. With the extra power (or even stock power really) it does not take much to loose front end traction in a corner and end up going straight. Scared myself once or twice, I don't turn off TC in the wet any more.

That you have found a particular circumstance where it seems to inhibit performance is not overly surprising, the technology in our cars only has so many different things it can monitor and limited ability to shift power like the Evo you mentioned.

Personally, I'd be looking at better suspension rather than turning off or wanting to change the ESP / TC. Even a rear swaybar may correct your body roll and weight distribution enough to bring back your confidence.

Yeah the Polo is designed for girls (I'm ducking :rolleyes:). The Evos and WRXs are for a different market entirely. They have been built for handling. The Polo wasn't so much built for handling, but it is more compliant and easier to drive with the light steering (for girls haha) and soft suspension. It is an easy car to live with.

Overall the ESP/TC system works well but in perfect conditions I like to turn it off. :cool:

Hey guys,

I think my original post has gone off on a tangent somewhat.

Let me explain what happens. On a cold start, I reverse out of my driveway (slight downhill+twist), and as i hit the twist, I apply the brakes slightly and a loud TWANG+vibration accompanying it. If i don't apply the brake, it rarely happens, but upon moving forward, I get a very light TWANG, every time (but only once after every cold start).

I asked the VW service guy about an ABS self test, to which he replied "Never heard of it."

Anyhow, thought I'd clear things up with regards to my issue.

Cheers.

Sound like ABS for sure its doing its job when it shouldnt be, self test???? that happens behind the scenes mate and wont cause a twang. Only time ive seen this is a maladjusted sensor on an A4, but you can set the position of its sensors, the Polo sensors are bolted on mate so that doesnt apply. A bit more than just a basic scan reqd i think, problem is you got to know what you are reading, thats where it all goes pear shaped.
cheers
Jmac