For me, they just get in the way... They're usually too intrusive for me to like... And slower to react than I am
Though that was a 2009 RAV4.... Maybe they're better now
Of course they are... You're better/faster than a computer that processes, reads the sensors THOUSANDS of times per second, and can react just as fast with timing, throttle, and other adjustments...
I hear ya bout the intrusive part, though.
I thought Acura's system was WAY too intrusive on my '04 TSX.. I thought GM hit it about perfect with the '07 Sierra.. especially on the stability assist. You could play around and have some fun before it'd tell you "naaah, I think that's about enough, let's get a little straighter on the road."
It wasn't constantly slapping your hand, though...
The Outback.. I've gotten it airborne a few times on/off the local railroad crossings.. (Dr Bob can probably attest to them if he notices this thread.
) So far, I haven't hit the "just right" throttle amount to keep it from going "woah! let me slow down the wheels for a second or so.. ok! Now you can go again!"
That's "about" the only complaint on the traction/stability combo.. And it does that even with the traction control off..
The longer I have the car, the more I learn the limits of what sets off the systems.. So, it's kind of like getting that perfect launch with a stick shift.. The right amount of gas, the right speed to let the clutch out, etc.. To get that "perfect" launch, it takes some practice to figure out how to not slip the clutch too much... and not pop it.. and to not spin the tires too much.. and not bog it down.. etc, etc..
The program has parameters that it is "ok" with.. It's up to me to figure out what the limits of those parameters are and push them as much as I can (or want to) to have fun. I'd say Subaru's system is probably pretty much in-line with GM's system as far as intrusiveness goes..
Each manufacturer, though, seems to set the systems up differently, based on what they think their customers are going to "want."
