Re: What is the difference between esp and asr on the rabbit(preferably the manu

it is explained in the VW manual. ASR came standard with my 2 dr manual transmission. i believe ESP is an option though ...

 

Re: What is the difference between esp and asr on the rabbit(preferably the manu

Anti-slip regulation is standard. You can turn it on or off depending on preference. The ASR system works by detecting wheel slippage, then retarding the throttle until traction is regained (like starting out on an icy incline). It'll keep you from barking the tires when you're trying to get on it on dry roads, so in the summer I usually turn it off.

ESP actually works while your driving through the twisties b regulating where the power goes between the wheel inside the turn and the outside wheel. It does this using not only the throttle retard but also the anti-lock brakes. The system is more complex than the ASR. Personally I wouldn't spend the money to upgrade to ESP. I don't think it'll be useful enough on a 2900 lb. 150 hp car. Cornering will be improved with wheels, a sturdy sway bar and firmer suspension. None of which is really necessary on the Rabbit, it does it all just fine for the class its in.

That's just one owner's take though.

 

ASR could be dangerous!

Anti-slip regulation is standard. You can turn it on or off depending on preference. The ASR system works by detecting wheel slippage, then retarding the throttle until traction is regained (like starting out on an icy incline). It'll keep you from barking the tires when you're trying to get on it on dry roads, so in the summer I usually turn it off.

I am not sure about ESP, but I found myself it was dangerous to use ASR on icy road. This is for me only, with my 10-year experience driving in Russian winter.
My car is 4dr manual with ASR, which is usually ON. When my car skidded a little, I used my driving habits to get off it. However, my car simultaneously, started to do its own things. As a result I almost lost a control. Thanks God, there were no many cars there at the moment and I managed to drive off the road.
I noticed the 'smart ass' ASR started blinking a moment before I've lost a control. Therefore, I was pretty sure it became active, took over the driver's power, and put me in danger.
I think you have either (1) forget your driving habits, do not do anything, and let the ASR do its thing when your car is skidding, or (2) turn the ASR OFF. I really doubt someone can forget his instincts in dangerous situation. Therefore, personally, I should turn it off on icy roads. I never had a problem on dry roads, but I believe the ASR never came to the action before.
Just my two cents. ASR should be very useful for drivers who have no experience in winter driving though.
I am still planning to do more tests on icy roads with or without ASR. But for now, I hate the ARS as much as I hate stupid ABS. I wish I could turn it off too.

 

Re: What is the difference between esp and asr on the rabbit(preferably the manu

I had the ESP on my Rabbit and it comes standard on the GTI. On the GTI I turn it off when I want to do stupid things. For the most part ESP is an awesome thing, it can save your life during quick maneuvers. It's been proven to be one of the most important safety devices in both cars and trucks next to seat belts and airbags.

http://media.vw.com/article_display.cfm?article_id=9597

http://www.safercar.gov/Rollover/pages/NewTechESC.htm

Just get it!!!

 

ESP is well worth the extra cash saved me from near death.

 

http://volkswagenownersclub.com/vw/showthread.php/asr-esp-4541.html?highlight=traction+control

Read Nitro's description, should give you what you need to know.