Competitive Mode versus Turning off TC and ESC.

[RodyRoadrunner]

What are the advantages of using the Competitive Mode versus turning off both TCS and ESC? I'm just learning. It seems that in a 1/4 mile, straight line that turning both off gives more power and speed, but on severe curves that the Competitive Mode definitly has its benefits. What are the pros and cons of each and all? Seems like with both off that the beast can be unleashed, but at the price of exposing the in-experience of the driver. Could someone who really knows put it into perspective for me?

[snaponbob]

You have pretty well summed it up !!!!!!!!!!!!! Not much to add.

[GS Stage 1]

Ditto: You already have it figured out.

I spent the previous 25 years driving a big block monster with no gadgets at all (except a limited slip 3.24 posi). And I consider myself pretty adept at steering with the rear wheels. But even with that experience, I still really prefer Comp Mode for most driving situations. My hat is off to GM on this one; Comp Mode works very well. It will let you tear the ass loose just enough to have fun and "steer with the rear wheels". But if you get too sideways, the ESC will kick in and set an anchor with the appropriate wheel brake to help straighten you out. But DO NOT assume that it will always save you, the technology can only do so much.

If I really want to get nuts, like on closed track, etc, then shutting all of the technology off does have it's benefits. But unless you are doing some serious closed track racing, I wouldn't recommend that.

[Bogie]

TCS PRO: Prevents you from spinning the rear wheels when you don't want to spin the rear wheels.

TCS CON: Prevents you from spinning the rear wheels when you do want to spin the rear wheels.

ESC PRO: Helps prevent you from oversteering or understeering when you don't want to oversteer or understeer.

ESC CON: May prevent you from oversteering or understeering when you want to oversteer or understeer.

CM PRO: Prevents you from completely wiping out when you don't want to wipe out.

CM CON: Prevents you from driving beyond the computers limit of intervention when you wish to drive beyond the intervention limit.

ALL OFF PRO: Allows you to drive at the limits of performance without the computer intervening.

ALL OFF CON: Provides no help if you go beyond the performance limit.

[Lightfoot]

Bogie's post is great, but keep in mind there are only four settings:
Default: TC and ESC on.
Traction Control Off (press T/C button once): TC off, ESC on
Competitive Mode (press T/C button twice): TC off, ESC in limited mode
ESC Off (press and hold T/C button for about 3 seconds): All assists off (TC and ESC)

I think of the four modes as Drive, Drag, Track, and Drift.