I am wondering about the ESP and its benefits. I have the option to buy a 2000TT Quattro that has no ESP. There's also a 2001 with the ESP.

Would I lose much without the ESP?

 

The ESP is a nice addition and a bit more security in bad weather driving. I like having mine on during the winter if the roads are bad on my A4 and it gives you a bit more confidence and comfort when driving in those conditions. Is it worth it? Depends. You can get a great set of snows or tires that will hook up in anything and i'm sure you'll be fine. How much is the price difference between the two? The only thing your losing is the added security that your car will help you in the event of a skid or loss of control. I've gone to skid school for 2 summers and I still enjoy the fact that my car has ESP and will help me with any problems.

 

I have a Subaru WRX and it's got about 400WHP and no ESP. It's fun to go a bit nuts with the car.

The TT is different. I keep the ESP engaged all of the time. But even with the chip, I can't do monster burnouts with ESP turned off. I never intended the TT for that activity anyway because that's why I have the WRX. With any AWD car, you'll do fine with or without ESP. In my case, it doesn't matter because I live in southern VA and we see very litttle snow compared to most places I've lived. If you live in a snow state like upstate NY, it may be of benefit, but it's not a requirement. Especially if you can drive in snow.

When I lived in upstate NY, 4WD vehicles were rare and AWD vehicles were unheard of, but that was 20 years ago. People got around fine with RWD cars and snow tires even though we received ridiculous amounts of snowfall.

I used to be fun doing an E-brake skid into a parking spot when the roads were snow covered. [sm=smiley2.gif]

 

ESP wasn't an option until 2001 so that's why the 2000 didn't have it.
Overall it is nice to have and a lot of cars 2001 and later have it almost
standard. My 2001 didn't come with it but so far it really didn't matter.
The Quattro handles like a dream even in snowy weather. I you use common sense
and don't overdrive the cars capabilities you should be fine without ESP but if you
can find one with ESP I would say go for it.
They also didn't come out with the 225HP version until 2001 so unless you are getting
an incredible deal on the 2000 I would look for a 2001 or newer TT with 225HP and
Quattro. It not only has a larger Turbo but also the 1.8T engine is built a little stronger
than the 180 HP version.
Don't get me wrong the 180Hp is still a very nice car especially in Quattro and with
proper mods and chip tuning it could beat a stock 225HP but in turn it wouldn't stand
a chance against an equally modded 225HP which easily can reach 300+ HP with
just a few mods.