I pushed the ESP button off and was very pleased with the cars performance, it was much more responsive. Is the ESP normally supposed to be that intrusive to negatively effect the performance of the car?

 

ESP should only cut power when it detects loss of traction or a dangerous dynamic (handling) situation.
I only tend to shut mine off for the occasional tight low speed turn that could use the rears breaking loose a little and not the car lurching over when the power is cut...

 

Correct. ESP will only affect performance when the yaw sensor detects a skid or loss of traction. Otherwise, no difference.

 

Putting the transmission into sport mode will generally make the most difference !

 

It was more so the power of your mind playing tricks on you.

 

i usually furtn esp off when i want to drift a little and drag racing . otherwise i allways ON esp , cuz i feel more safe with it