Good tyres is the place to start. I source the dunlop D8Z 's when i renew , they seem to be not to grippy (lol in the wet) but very quiet.
If back end seems to slide happy , it is worth having the camber checked as its all adjustable in the mk3&4.
not having a slipping diff does make it tail happy.
RE the traction control , iirc it was an optional extra for the mk3.