ASR only operates at speeds less than 25mph, but I’m pretty sure it disables. I don’t have ESP (I have a 2001), but I have ASR defeat as a switch. Still, this only affects launches.

The 24V VR6 VVT provides a long power curve. The Jeckyl/Hyde response of Honda iVTEC does not exist in the VR6. I’m really not sure what you are describing at this point.

As for body roll, you might want to read this thread on handling to understand why the roll in the MkIV isn’t much to worry about and is actually there to HELP you make that corner.

Drive-by-wire is an electronic system. Electrical response is instantaneous for the distance we are considering. You are experiencing foot training, learning how to blip the throttle with DBW versus DBC.

You have valid complaints, but they apply to pretty much any post 2000 performance vehicle. All of them have some form of VVT, all of them have an increasing number of sensors to control the vehicle’s performance, and all of them are drive by wire. Handling characteristics will, of course, vary, but I’d read that thread on TDIClub that I linked to if you are sincerely interested in optimizing your car’s suspension to match your driving.

Its also impossible to disable the stupid v-tec crap. At about 4 grand, it decides to open the intake valves all the way. That really fucks with me if I’m trying to hold a rev in a corner. (which is very necessary since the body roll is ridiculous)

Also I think there’s some sensor or something that chokes the throttle between shifts. Now I have to drive like a goddamn rice-boy, granny shifting with the car lurching forward and back every time I upshift. And forget heel-toe on the downshift. The drive-by-wire has about a half second delay, so its difficult to blip the throttle.

I reiterate my argument: The Mk4 GTI VR6 is all looks. It’s a wannabe sports car. It was designed to appeal to suburban white youth who wear baggy pants, sideways ballcaps, listen to linkin park, and begin every sentence with the word ‘mad’ and end it with the word ‘yo’. (for example: ‘Mad styalz, yo!’)

As for finding another Mk3, good luck. They’ve all been beaten to a bloody pulp by now. Or have ugly tail-lights, cut springs, 45 degree camber, a fartmaster muffler, and doors that open like a fucking delorean.