Quote: posted by Stevoraith on 29/03/2005 12:07:22
ESP is an "electronic stability program' which as Chris says above is much more sophisticated and is supposed to sort you out if you get it wrong in corners.
5th Gear demo'ed it last night, and its amazing TBH. Tiff took an X Type and went through two chicanes at 70MPH on sheet ice. With ESP off the car spun wildly out of control. With it on, you could see the wheels individually braking and maintaining control - completely without drama.
They also had a sheet of ice on a steep slope, and even with steady throttle control, it was impossible for Tiff to drive up it - the car just wheelspun and slid backwards. With ESP on, it went straight up, again no drama at all.
It confused me even further because I am sure advice here was to turn it off in the snow!