Active Handling - would I regret not getting it?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Active Handling - would I regret not getting it?
I'm in the market for a used Vette. My current car has a nice active-handling type system on it and I love it. I'm thinking with the extra power the Vette will have, it will be even more important; especially in foul weather.
What's the consensus? Anyone here not have it and don't miss it? Anyone haev it and wouldn't care if they didn't?
I don't want to pass up a nice car because it doesn't have A/H and it not be a big deal that it didn't. By the same token, I don't want to get a car that doesn't ahve it but end up wishing that it did...
What's the consensus? Anyone here not have it and don't miss it? Anyone haev it and wouldn't care if they didn't?
I don't want to pass up a nice car because it doesn't have A/H and it not be a big deal that it didn't. By the same token, I don't want to get a car that doesn't ahve it but end up wishing that it did...
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
I'm in the market for a used Vette. My current car has a nice active-handling type system on it and I love it. I'm thinking with the extra power the Vette will have, it will be even more important; especially in foul weather.
What's the consensus? Anyone here not have it and don't miss it? Anyone haev it and wouldn't care if they didn't?
I don't want to pass up a nice car because it doesn't have A/H and it not be a big deal that it didn't. By the same token, I don't want to get a car that doesn't ahve it but end up wishing that it did...
What's the consensus? Anyone here not have it and don't miss it? Anyone haev it and wouldn't care if they didn't?
I don't want to pass up a nice car because it doesn't have A/H and it not be a big deal that it didn't. By the same token, I don't want to get a car that doesn't ahve it but end up wishing that it did...
:confused:
Administrator
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 67,425
Likes: 1,962
From: Chattanooga, TN
CI 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Lifetime Member
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
Don't leave home without it! :smash:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Richin Chicago)
I think it would be a deal breaker for me. But almost all recent years have it don't they?
:confused:
:confused:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Pleasanton CA
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
I dont know what you current car is, but you are talking about 300+ HP to the rear wheels. If you are a very good driver, and can handle the car, then maybe not, but otherwise, it's a must. On the positive side, if you do get it you can drive like a maniac whenever you want :lol: :lol:
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (jlamay)
I dont know what you current car is, but you are talking about 300+ HP to the rear wheels. If you are a very good driver, and can handle the car, then maybe not, but otherwise, it's a must. On the positive side, if you do get it you can drive like a maniac whenever you want :lol: :lol:
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Campbell Ca
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
Hell next they will be throwing out the sterring wheel :lol: .If you want a computer to drive your car and not you go ahead and get it.Have driven an 01 and it drives differnt than my 98 (less control) the 01 that is.
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,136
Likes: 24,735
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '25
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
This is the one option I really wish I had on my '00. I had it on my '99 and it kept the car under control several times when it was slick outside. If you can find a car with AH on it, it is a good buy.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 13,292
Likes: 0
From: Hockessin Delaware
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
I've never had it kick it, I drive like a wuss :bb so I can't say that I'd miss it, but I am glad to know I have it just in case - rainor other bad weather, jerk cutting me off, whatever. :seeya
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Tallahassee FL
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Racer1x)
Hell next they will be throwing out the sterring wheel :lol: .If you want a computer to drive your car and not you go ahead and get it.Have driven an 01 and it drives differnt than my 98 (less control) the 01 that is.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Racer1x)
Hell next they will be throwing out the sterring wheel :lol: .If you want a computer to drive your car and not you go ahead and get it.Have driven an 01 and it drives differnt than my 98 (less control) the 01 that is.
:confused: :confused:
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,376
Likes: 1,004
From: Various places in Southern California.
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
Having driven the 330i, I found that its traction control system intervened way too early. You'll find that the Corvette system is much less obtrusive, while still saving your bacon when necessary.
Pro
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Campbell Ca
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Richin Chicago)
I'm confused why would the 01 have less control than the 98?
(01 with active handling) I was pointing out, in my opinion you have less overall control of the the car.The computer takes over and drives the car and not the driver.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Gresham OR
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
My '99 has AH and I'm glad. Being in the northwest, it rains a lot. We also have summer dry spells and summer rains. That combination does make it get slick. Of course I'll take my Exhibition out then as there are too many "crazies" to watch out for. What is nice is you can turn the AH off when you want to play but still have it for normal every day driving. Nice combination.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 5,706
Likes: 552
From: St. Peters MO
C7 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
2018 C7 of Year Finalist
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
Active Handling, as I see it, is there for A: unexpected occurances (collision avoidance with a deer for example) and B: Mistakes (getting in over your head in a turn, slick roads, etc.)
AH does not have the computer drive your car. It only helps prevent something you don't want to happen anyway. I say again, it HELPS but it can't fix stupid. It can't make your car defy the laws of physics when you are doing 90 mph and coming to a 35 mph curve.
It is very unobtrusive and chances are members on the forum have had AH help out a time or two and just weren't aware of it.
And for all of the anti-tech guys, or if you are just in the mood for an occassional powerslide, they included the on / off switch. :yesnod:
Just my .02 worth.
AH does not have the computer drive your car. It only helps prevent something you don't want to happen anyway. I say again, it HELPS but it can't fix stupid. It can't make your car defy the laws of physics when you are doing 90 mph and coming to a 35 mph curve.
It is very unobtrusive and chances are members on the forum have had AH help out a time or two and just weren't aware of it.
And for all of the anti-tech guys, or if you are just in the mood for an occassional powerslide, they included the on / off switch. :yesnod:
Just my .02 worth.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (John Shiels)
I bought my '99 without AH. Ya, I wished it was equipped with AH but given it's a garage queen, it wasn't a must have feature. If you can get a vette with it, all the more better.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Gaithersburg MD
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (luvinc5)
No active handling on mine (a '99) and I can't say I've missed it. Traction control saves my bacon in the wet as far as throttle misuse, anything else is up to my driving ability, so far so good. Probably a good option to have, but I don't lose any sleep over not having it, and I drive mine pretty hard.
Just my '02 :)
Just my '02 :)
Pro
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 507
Likes: 0
From: Chatsworth CA
Re: Active Handling - would I regret not getting it? (Edge 904)
I am very happy with the AH. It does not feel like the computer is driving the car (very unobtrusive) - if you don't like it, hit the big button on the console. But with close to 350lb-ft of tq at the rear wheels, it is extremely easy to lose traction on a wet road. I even leave it on in the dry weather when I'm out canyon carving. Even when I stomp on it early coming out of a low-speed corner, the AH just happily modulates the throttle ang keeps the aft end from swinging wide. Pretty :cool: in my opinion.
Mine is an `02 and I know they made some improvements, so I'm not very familiar with how the earlier ones drive. Also, like others have said - it may save you under most conditions but it won't fix stupid.
BTW, the C5 has an electronic throttle too. It's more responsive than the 330 but it does open at a slower rate for the first ~10% of pedal travel. It took me a week or so to get used to but it helps when driving an M6 car in traffic.
-Ben
Mine is an `02 and I know they made some improvements, so I'm not very familiar with how the earlier ones drive. Also, like others have said - it may save you under most conditions but it won't fix stupid.
BTW, the C5 has an electronic throttle too. It's more responsive than the 330 but it does open at a slower rate for the first ~10% of pedal travel. It took me a week or so to get used to but it helps when driving an M6 car in traffic.
-Ben