greg0723

i dont have sport mode in my car but here people talk about it on here. what is the difference between sport mode and the ect pwr button?

drpepper

Strictly speaking, sport mode is a suspension setting option. The "S" mode that people talk about a lot is the shift lever position to the left of "D" from which you can do pseudo manual shifting.

And by most accounts, you're not missing anything by not having the sport suspension setting. Comparative reviews describing its function as making the ride rougher without changing the handling - what's the point of that?

XxGoKoUxX

lol @ drpepper... i never really felt like i should use the the "sport" dampering mode, honestly you dont pay 60k for a vehicle u feel every rock and crevice on

Rider

Your saying it as if your obliged to use the option...... I honestly feel more comfortable driving with the sport enhanced suspension during high speeds than the normal mode. The ride feels more sporty/firm and not "shaky" if thats the right word

drpepper

I suppose saying "what's the point?" is a bit overly dismissive.

I've turned sport suspension on a handful of times and just didn't personally find it compelling. Admittedly, most of the driving I do (normal suburban commuting) doesn't lend itself to showcasing the difference between the settings. I tend to end up agreeing with XxGoKoUxX's sentiment when I've had the sport mode on, trying to discern the difference--A large part of what I love about my GS is the ride with the normal suspension setting.

I was on a nice long smooth, yet twisty, country road one beautiful Saturday afternoon and decided to hit the button and "feel the difference." I drove the road in a spirited manner, and it felt good; sporty/firm/smooth. It occurred to me that I would have had to turn around and do the exact same thing with the setting on normal to know if it was really the sport setting or just the car and the picture perfect moment.

But I also see what Rider is saying (without explicitly saying it)--Even if the actual handling characteristics of the car are unchanged, the feel (and so the driver experience and perception) of that handling is changed and that, in itself, is the point. If you like the way one setting feels versus the other, it's kind of hard to argue against that

drpepper

I understand your meaning, but people pay a lot more than $60K for cars that transfer the feel of every rock and crevice to the driver

jtrue28

isn't the "sport" mode suspension stuff only on the 430/460s?

drpepper

AVS is optional on the 350

whlkev

when you are driving in a cross wind situation in the open desert at 100mph, you'll be glad that you have AVS.. Personally, I love it and won't get coils just to keep this feature.

XxGoKoUxX

really? i've never experimented lol... but i'll try it out as soon as i hit the highway again =]

i tried it at low speed and FL, like texas and other southern states, has a lot of cracked roads, not my best experience hitting small potholes @ 30-40mph... haha, after i hit a bump and heard somewhat of a "thump" i never tried it again

hahahaha, i laughed soo hard when i read this... but yeah, i guess you're right

i'll be sure to try this out @ higher speeds....




anyone have any idea if the "sport" dampering will activate during driving? or do you have to stop?

whlkev

you can adjust it on the fly

XxGoKoUxX

thanks whlev =] i'mma try it out tonight, the car DOES feel a bit shaky @ 110+