Originally Posted By: whip
If the FIA would allow it's use on F1 cars, the teams would. Are F1 drivers not properly trained? The computer can react way quicker than the best drivers in the world, but somehow, you think it's silly wizardry.
I've autoX'd a Z06 Vette. It had 3 settings. on, sport, and off. My best times were in sport mode. With the VSA in full on, the computer intervened too soon, and slowed the car. When it was off, the car moved too much, and I wasn't able to get the power down quickly enough. In sport mode, it would let the car slide, and spin the tires some, but it would intervene if it got to bad. With the help of the computer, I was able to go quicker.
Driving on the street, I would leave it on all the time. I'd feel pretty foolish if I crashed a car with VSA off knowing it might have prevented me losing control.
This is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison. F1 "cars" aren't really cars, they're very purpose built competition machines. The electronics on those cars aren't built for safety, if they were allowed they would be designed to give the driver a competitive advantage. These systems on street legal cars tend to be designed for safety first.
Also, I've been told that the system on the Corvette is actually pretty good. On more pedestrian vehicles or even sporty versions of those, dealing with stability control can be extremely frustrating. When I sell my GTI my #1 requirement in a vehicle will be fully defeatable stability control, preferably with an option for a "sport" mode similar to what you'd find on a Corvette.
There is something to be said for simply wanting to enjoy the pure mechanical handling of a car. I think it's fun to feel out a vehicle and master it, especially at a place like an autocross.