Hello, for us non track folks, can someone summarize what the difference between PTM and Competitive mode really is?
is PTM just suspension, engine power, stability control adjustments for going around a track? And Competitive mode with no traction control for quarter mile runs?

 

The best way to think about it is ... competitive mode is the same as "Sport Mode", but with launch available. TC is disabled, but stability track is still functional although significantly reduced (ie: you can do burnouts, and some lateral drifting, without the PCM pulling power and making the car fall on it's face). This is the mode I use most often when I want to have fun on the street, because it's easy to engage (turn dial to sport, hit TC button twice), the suspension stays in Sport mode, full engine power is available, and launch is available.

PTM is only available with suspension set to track mode, and then offers varying levels of PTM settings (Weather - Track 2) which are outlined in the owner's manual. So to use PTM, you need to have the suspension set to the stiffest setting (track) which means it is only available in Track drive mode, or in Z drive mode when suspension is set to "Track".

PTM provides a lot more control over the TC and stabilitrack response behavior. It also allows you to go full throttle in a corner with PTM handling the power delivery to keep the car from spinning.

Different modes for completely different purposes. Competitive driving mode for spirited fun, 0-60 runs, burnouts, a little sideways sliding coming of a stop, etc .. PTM for track focused driving and improving lap times.

 

Thank you that was helpful!

 

There are lots of details about how it changes the various control system already covered. This, from the PTM section of the manual, and also touched on above, is a way it can be used operationally:

"To experience the performance benefit of this
system [Performance Traction Management], after entering a curve and at the
point where normal acceleration occurs, fully
press the accelerator pedal. The Performance
Traction Management system modifies the
level of engine power for a smooth and
consistent corner exit."

 

great explanation - thanks

 

Also, worth noting that Competitive Mode is available on cars without PTM equipped (i.e. without Magnetic Ride Control). In my experience it is good for fun backroads activities.

 

Is this true for mLSD (mechanical limited slip differential) or only on Z51 models with eLSD (electronic limited slip diff)?

 

At Spring Mountain, the instructors showed us how to access the PTM Sport 1 mode using the Z button (which was pre-set) and used for lapping on the track. I instantly loved the way this setting felt and thought this is what I would like my Corvette to be able to feel like on the street. When I got home I found a '25 Stingray with Z51/Mag ride and traded my base car in for it. Do I use it often, no. The default Track suspension setting in the all PTM modes is a little rough for typical Western PA roads. However when I find decent surfaces it is an absolute blast to drive and the difference in throttle response and shift points in addition to glue like traction is very noticeable.

 

The only Corvette with mechanical diff to get PTM was the C6 ZR1 and a few late C6 Z06s. All C7s and C8s required eLSD to get PTM.