(G) ASR - Is it Rather Too Effective?

Folks

On my 1.4 Sport, I have this gut feeling - unsubstantiated by empirical evidence - that the ASR dulls performance somewhat throughout the speed range, not just when accelerating away from rest. I can certainly tell the difference with ASR off when I give it some welly away from the lights - I can make the front tyres squeal in 1st and even 2nd gear. But even in 3rd, accelerating hard out of twisty bends, or overtaking, it seems to me that the car is a bit less sharp with ASR on. Has anyone else noticed this, or am I imagining it all?

John

It does what it says it should IMO

I think you'll find that you're actually going quicker - just it doesn't feel like it. Wheelspin off the line might sound and feel quick, but ask Mr Hamilton and co if they want their ASR back?

I agree John - it does hold it back and feels 'blunted' with ASR on

Only one way to drive a 500 1.4 Sport

SPORT on, ASR off

The defaults are inverted IMO

Well, the ASR is certainly effective in the wet, or on greasy roads, and I would always leave it on then. However, what I am suggesting is that it may be reducing torque to the front wheels unnecessarily soon in ordinary driving.

John

I agree, perhaps it is better at detecting wheelspin that you or I though.

Must be driving slowly if you notice the difference between it being on and off as at 30mph ASR is automatically reactivated.

Not really, rather accellerating quickly at below 30 mph

Meh....

Well, that is interesting. Are you absolutely sure about this, Beastly one? Which leaves the very pertinent question - why on earth would Fiat want to reactivate it above 30 mph on a car which hardly has enough power to invoke wheelspin at higher speeds.

John

Maybe its a common ASR sytem used on cars that REALLY need it...

I'm 100% sure.
Fiat tech head that was explaining the system to us that said it.

I believe it is because when ASR is off so is the other systems stability control and EBC all that stuff. So Fiat designed the system so when your going fast enough to kill yourself the car will try stop it happening and any resulting lawsuits.

my merc re-activates at 40 mph you cant turn it off after that speed either i think its a common feature of a asr/tcs/esp system

Well, there you are. It was all just imagination on my part, then, as I half-suspected. It goes to show how it is almost impossible to judge engine modifications by the seat of your pants, either - the car will feel faster after you fitted that induction kit or the sporty exhaust, just because you think it should. Sometimes it might even be slower

Thanks for the info, Beast.

John