Faster with VCD off?

chubbs

I must say I don't know the answer to this perennial question - and I wish I did, because it has bugged me for ages too.

One of the functions of VDC/ESC/ESP (or whatever you want to call it) is to send signals to the ECU that tell it to reduce torque when it thinks the car is accelerating in an unacceptable manner. However, I have no idea what the criteria are, or when the system actually cuts in.

However, I suppose it's a fairly academic question, because every time I get in the car I start the engine, put the seatbelt on and switch the ESP* off!

Here's an interesting website - Robert Bosch GmbH - ESC

However, I'd still like to know because I too feel it may interfere with the car's performance - and I too wonder if I'm making it up!



*It's called ESP (Electronic Stability Program) in the UK, but it's the same as VDC.

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rackley

All I know is I always turn it off if it's dry outside. I can take some slip in the rear - it communicates very well and doesn't fishtail. I can tell immediately when it starts to break loose, and usually it doesn't go very far anyhow.

Letting it break loose a little and continuing to accelerate is fine, but VDC immediately nerfs the power at even modest amounts of slip, which kills the momentum of the car. Although I suppose you could argue that's the whole point of VDC...lol..

Bottom line is unless it's rainy/snowy/icy, VDC is OFF, because it just gets in the way.

ChrisSlicks

The car is the same speed either way, on or off. However you can definitely drive faster with it off. Because the VDC limits wheel spin you can't get a good launch and it will also kill you on a quick change to 2nd if you chirp the tires.

I have mine off most of the time unless it's raining out.

NYBladeZ

Of course there's no power difference, but imagine it like this, no condom= still the same act but oh sooo much better

CrownR426

Your explanation is the bestest!

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AARC51

Every car I've owned with ESP/VCD/Whatever has achieved it's control of the car by simply cutting engine power during wheel-spin. Which I think is WAY too aggressive and potentially dangerous. For example if I'm turning left across a busy intersection and the car decides to cut the juice it could end up being bad news bears.

The 370z *seems* to do the same thing and it's been my experience that I'm a much better judge of my car's stability than the computer so VDC is the first button I hit after starting the car.

wstar

Have you guys had any issues turning it back on? Seems like every time I turn mine off, the only way to get it back on is to shut the car down and start over again. The owner's manual says you should be able to just hit the button again...

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k.alexander

No problems turning it back on. I've done it many many times. You should get that checked out.
Btw, restarting the car, does always automatically turn it ON.

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tvfreakazoid

I'm curious, I don't race cars or been involved in a time attack, i'm just a regular driver. Does VDC is really needed for someone like me(when its dry)?

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chubbs

With respect, 'VDC on' or 'VDC off' isn't really the point - the important thing is how you drive. Even with VDC on, if you drive badly, control of the car can be taken away from you. VDC will not drive the car for you, it will merely try to correct something it perceives to be a problem. This correction may OR MAY NOT be the right thing to do in a given circumstance. Personally, I prefer to be in as much control of the car as possible, so I turn VDC off - then, if something goes wrong, in that split second I know it's my fault and I know it's my job to put it right. The Z is a relatively powerful rear wheel drive vehicle. If you're in control of your throttle pedal you should have no problems, but if you're new to this type of car it is quite easy to 'floor it' at the wrong moment and lose control.

My suggestion to anyone who is new to rear wheel drive is, 'find a bit of private land and 'play' with the limits of the car until you know when the back end starts to break away - then practise controlling it when it does so. ...but be safe & legal.'

Never rely on VDC.

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ChrisSlicks

+1.

If you are new to the rear-drive platform or just an average street driver that would like some skills to handle extreme situations then I highly suggest an advanced driving course or auto-cross driving school. Studies have shown that drivers who have completed an advanced driving school or have developed the skills from racing are 10 times less likely to be in an accident. Part of this is the skill to handle an out of control vehicle (and keeping a vehicle in control in tough conditions), but it's also the awareness skills that you develop such as looking ahead, being aware of your surroundings, and avoiding distractions.

SeverianB

Leave the VDC on at all times in your case... unless you want to do something that it prevents, such as doing a burn-out, getting the tail end out, etc. (you know, crazy bad stuff... FUN stuff)

Electronic stability control has been PROVEN to save lives. On every type of car that has had a version with VDC/ESC and one without, the number of fatal accidents is 50% less in the VDC version of the car. This has been proven time and time again.

If you are an average driver, going about your business...leave the VDC on. Of this there is no doubt. None.

chubbs

Which leads inevitably to the question, "How many of you bought a 370Z because you aspire to being 'an average driver, going about your business...'?". A poll is probably not required.

Anyone who owns a Z wants to be able to drive it without VDC 'saving their life' - or maybe they should have bought a Volvo instead.

Anyone sensible person who is new to RWD will gradually get to know the character of their car over a period of time and train themselves to enjoy the possibilities it offers them - without nanny VDC sitting beside them all the time. I did.

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tvfreakazoid

I see what your saying. But none of my previous cars that I had including the one i drive right now (98 saturn) doesn't have the VDC. But Then again I don't drive aggressive or fast with that car. And that may change when I get the 370z. I may want drive it a little harder then usual.

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Cell

Unfortunately a large percentage of drivers are bad drivers and unfortunately the average drive will fall into the large percentage of bad drivers.

With that being said, that is why VDC has saved so many lives...