Drive modes - Normal, Sport, etc.

[xSouthSyde]

When I first got my car I would use it in Sport plus 90% of the time besides in heavy traffic or cold engine. Now I prefer Track mode because it automatically removes the nanny. If I want to drive like a manual then I put in S on the gear selectee otherwise I stay in D/Track if I’m lazy or coming home from a long day at work.

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[m3incorp]

I notice the same thing, I also notice I get wheel spin at about 80 mph when doing a high rpm shift from 3rd to 4th in Sport+ mode.

No proof. Just seems I can get it more squirrelly in a 1-2 shift in sport vs normal. At full boogie. A 6th to 3rd shift on the hwy will also wiggle a hair in sport.

 

[Vlad Soare]

I wonder if that could be due solely to the more aggressive throttle mapping.
In Snow/Wet mode you get less wheel spin simply because the throttle opens less than normal for the amount of pedal travel. So it's reasonable to assume that it also works the other way around - i.e. if the throttle opens more for the same amount of pedal travel you'll get more wheel spin. This may have nothing to do with the TC/ESC.

After all, the TC and ESC do not actually prevent wheel spin, but just react to it after it happens. So the fact that there's no wheel spin in Normal mode doesn't necessarily mean that the nannies are more uptight.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Anyway, the TC/ESC thing aside, I see two interesting points:

1. The throttle can open more or less in various drive modes for the same amount of pedal travel, but not faster or slower. If there's a delay between you pressing the pedal and the throttle actually opening (and apparently there is), then that delay is the same in all modes.

2. There's no change in the engine management strategy between various modes - at least I couldn't find any evidence to the contrary. Fuel injection, ignition timing, etc. are the same in all drive modes.

If both of these points are true, then the driving characteristics of one mode or another could be achieved in Normal mode simply by careful modulation of the gas pedal - i.e. press it harder when you're in a sporty mood, and be more gentle with it when it rains. So the only actual reasons for switching modes would be the TC/ESC and MagneRide.
Right? Am I missing anything?

 

[Vlad Soare]

Sorry, I forgot to mention I was talking about manual cars.
The A10 is a different story; its shift strategy does change with the drive mode.

 

[Rapid Red]

This forum really in need of a sticky for the acronyms everyone so loves to use and throw around.

Usually drive sport + as of late switched to track. 2 things noticed, as clutch engages no (annoying) roll out assists is felt.

Second sitting on an incline that brake set is also gone.

Some say the ride is ruffer I say I like the feel Throttle feels more responsive, one can run 1st gear up on the tack. Without the rev limiter kicking in making the old Mustang act like a bucking bronco.

Having just change to track as my drive mode. This is what stands out, with some seat time and some twisty roads ahead learn some more.

So far I really like track, removed active exhaust, installed axel backs. Track mode has a different sound over the sport + ...... snappier, crisp.

my .02

 

[gadgtfreek]

I live in an older area of town with more historic homes, but that means some streets will rattle your teeth out. On residential streets around my home, I leave it in Normal because the ride is noticeably better. Once I get out of the hood on a normal street, it stays in Sport +.

 

[Elp_jc]

So the only actual reasons for switching modes would be the TC/ESC and MagneRide.

Pretty much . I almost always use normal (with comfort steering and sport exhaust), except when in the canyons, due to not being able to independently adjust MR. If my car didn't have MR, I'd use sport+ mode all the time.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I prefer the pedal feel in Sport + over Normal. Sure I can press it further, but since I use both daily, I find I "like" Sport+ more. Normal is for bumpy roads for me, Sport+ rest of time.

 

[Vlad Soare]

Sadly, MagneRide cannot be decoupled from the drive mode. If you want a normal suspension with an aggressive throttle response, or a stiffer suspension with a nice and linear throttle, you're out of luck.

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