Not sure if this is in the right place, but I assumed VSA had something to do with tires.

Anyhow, what is the function for VSA?
When I push the button on my 2004 TL a sign shows, indicating that I have turned it off?
What happens if it is turned off? Easier launch?
What are the pros and cons for having it on and off?

 

VSA = Vehicle Stability Control


Basically it will brake the wheels independently as needed to keep the car going in the direction you're steering in.

The button is to turn it OFF, useful for people who are racing their cars OR for skilled drivers in snow/ice conditions who want 100% control over the car.

 

The Acuras handle & drive very well. I have consider myself reasonably skilled but have this on most of the time...as going into a drift is probably more on the extemely advanced category. I have taken on/off ramps at high speeds and not only does the suspension do a great job but I also feel the VSA kick on stabalizing the car when I've pushed it too much. If you want to have fun in the snow turn it off, if you leave it on it straightens you out when you're about to fishtail. It's fun either way.

 

No amount of skill can do what VSA does. Even if you could react as quickly as a computer (yeah right), the TL does not have four individual brake pedals for you to control each brake independently.

Here's a great video that demonstrates how effective it is at keeping you from losing control. It starts 2 minutes into the video after the talk about ABS and Traction Control.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K3m24bjkfg0

I spun out in the rain on the highway once and totaled my front-wheel-drive car. That led me to find a replacement that had stability control, so here I am with a TL.

Here's a video that shows how it works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1qt8...eature=related

and another one with real cars

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3zLpNxHris

 

Wow, those videos were very instructional.
I assume ESP is VSA (same thing?)

 

Yeah. Others that come to mind:

VSC (Toyota/Lexus, Nissan/Infiniti), DSC (BMW), DSTC (Volvo)

 

In 2006, Acura added torque steer reduction to the 6MT's. If you disable VSA, you'll get full power in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gear (but don't forget to turn it back on especially if the roads are slick). Sometimes I wish I could disable certain parts of VSA independently.

For example, I pretty much always want stability control on, but sometimes, I find the traction control element intrusive. The torque steer reduction is also sometimes unwanted because it can reduce engine torque up to 30% in 1st gear, but the bright side is that it will save the clutch and some gas. Which then leads me to another desire. An econ/sport switch. I wish I could set a torque limit so that it can help me save gas. The car is just too much fun to drive.