Is it just me or this is how Posche drives?

[dksu]

Ever since i picked up my 09 c2, which is my first P car, I've noticed that when I'm going through twisties, let's say doing 50-60mph, the front end of the car seems way too light. I feel like I have to hold the steering wheel with my dear life to stay in the curve. My previous car was e46 m3 and i felt very confident going into curves doing 70-80 mph. My m3 felt planted and stable going around curve. And my m3 was plain stock with no suspension work. I don't know why but I don't get that feeling with my c2. I feel like as soon as I let go off wheel, the car would just shoot straight forward into the ditch. Is something wrong with my car? Or this is how porsche drives? I feel that the front end of my c2 is so light that I have to hold my wheel very firm to smoothly go around curve. I have to make numerous subtle adjustments going around the curve. Or is this what they call understeer? I've heard somewhere that P cars understeer.

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[Bara]

put a couple of sand bags in the 'trunk'

[dksu]

I really seriously feel like that would solve the problem.

Originally Posted by Bara

put a couple of sand bags in the 'trunk'

[Gundo]

Good idea would be to take a performance driving class, if you haven't already. You'll learn a lot about your car in a safe, controlled setting.

[NorthVan]

Originally Posted by Bara

put a couple of sand bags in the 'trunk'

If the Porsche engineers thought this would help the driving dynamics they would have made it a $595 option.

The car will shift weight to the rear under power, as well I think the NA ride height allows for more air flow under the car. Changing the suspension will improve the weight transfer and air flow issue. Even a set of springs will make the front end feel more planted, a set of Coil Overs will make the car feel like the car should.

[dksu]

So it's just not me who feels this way? So when you acquired your first P car, you experienced the same light front end feel? I just feel that weight distrubution of this car is way off. I think my m3 was almost 50/50, or at least from what bmw advertised. So why did Porsche make their NA cars so light in the front? I always thought Porsche was #1 in handling department, but I think not. Hm.... I'm confused

Originally Posted by NorthVan997C2S

If the Porsche engineers thought this would help the driving dynamics they would have made it a $595 option.

The car will shift weight to the rear under power, as well I think the NA ride height allows for more air flow under the car. Changing the suspension will improve the weight transfer and air flow issue. Even a set of springs will make the front end feel more planted, a set of Coil Overs will make the car feel like the car should.

[NorthVan]

I was more concerned with the high speed lightness. I put Techart springs in my first 997, and it was a lot better. CO's are even better yet, car corners very flat at all speeds, you won't be disappointed.

[xXxGhotimanxXx]

I just feel that weight distrubution of this car is way off.

Might have something to do with the engine hanging off the rear axle . My '08 C2S is a freaking blast in the twisties. I wouldn't change a thing.

J

[nucjd]

I had driven a non s targa 4 prior to my C2S and there is definitely a natural floaty way about the front end on my S that I have gotten used to and you do not get off the throttle in the corner or the world famous oversteer gently reminds you where the engine sits. I can tell a difference when I leave my local wine shop with a case or two of wine in the front end. I guess you could drive around with wine in your boot.

[yrralis1]

Originally Posted by dksu

So it's just not me who feels this way? So when you acquired your first P car, you experienced the same light front end feel? I just feel that weight distrubution of this car is way off. I think my m3 was almost 50/50, or at least from what bmw advertised. So why did Porsche make their NA cars so light in the front? I always thought Porsche was #1 in handling department, but I think not. Hm.... I'm confused

Think of it like this --the Porsche is getting its push from the rear and the front steers it . It's actually an amazing feeling because the weight distribution has been balanced over 40 years to counter the physics of a rear engine design . The BMW (if it weren't for the limited slip differential) faces the understeer of a heavy front engine .

[afridi]

Originally Posted by dksu

So it's just not me who feels this way? So when you acquired your first P car, you experienced the same light front end feel? I just feel that weight distribution of this car is way off. I think my m3 was almost 50/50, or at least from what bmw advertised. So why did Porsche make their NA cars so light in the front? I always thought Porsche was #1 in handling department, but I think not. Hm.... I'm confused

The car does have a different feel in the front. I also came from an M3, and when I test drove a C2 vs the C4 the C2 seemed light at front. You have to be aware of the engine behind, and the way the car shifts weight. The rotation occurs closer to the front axle as opposed to the center of the car when it does rotate.

Anyway, when you take a corner correctly (slow in fast out would be a good rule to start with) you will find with the weight on the back wheels from the engine as well as the squat from the acceleration, the car rockets/slingshots out of corners. It's a very Porsche 911 thing, and tends to be addictive!

I haven't driven the C2 on the track yet, but will say if you haven't done a HPDE, it is worth doing.

Hope that helps. Seasoned Carrera drivers can correct me if I am wrong.

[adias]

Originally Posted by dksu

Ever since i picked up my 09 c2, which is my first P car, I've noticed that when I'm going through twisties, let's say doing 50-60mph, the front end of the car seems way too light. I feel like I have to hold the steering wheel with my dear life to stay in the curve. My previous car was e46 m3 and i felt very confident going into curves doing 70-80 mph. My m3 felt planted and stable going around curve. And my m3 was plain stock with no suspension work. I don't know why but I don't get that feeling with my c2. I feel like as soon as I let go off wheel, the car would just shoot straight forward into the ditch. Is something wrong with my car? Or this is how porsche drives? I feel that the front end of my c2 is so light that I have to hold my wheel very firm to smoothly go around curve. I have to make numerous subtle adjustments going around the curve. Or is this what they call understeer? I've heard somewhere that P cars understeer.

Nothing wrong with the car. The best advice you received is to take some DE classes.

[ato911]

I used to own an M3 and used to think that the M3 was a good ride.....until I drove a Carrera. To me, the Carrera out performs the M3 any day.

[dksu]

What island you on? I'm on big island.

Originally Posted by ato911

I used to own an M3 and used to think that the M3 was a good ride.....until I drove a Carrera. To me, the Carrera out performs the M3 any day.

[Lockie]

Once you learn how to shift the weight by braking or even just lifting off the throttle you will start to appreciate the 911. When you start understanding that it you will realize what amazing car you have. I also agree that you would really benefit for a DE day....