On the 997, I can do equal or better rev-matching, heel-toe, corner, etc. This is relative to my '83 SC.

The only thing I could not do better is knowing how far the 997's passenger side when I pass by parked cars, driving close to the fwy walls, parking as close to parking columns, etc. On the SC, I believe that since I could see the right headlight/fender, I subconsciously use this as a guide to gauge how very close my right side to safely "not hitting" anything. On the 997, due to wider rears and not being able to see the right front fender, I am always about 3-4 inches over my estimated distance.

Can you guys accurately gauge your distance/position? Trying to figure out if my age is affecting my compass!

 

I use the mirror as my guide.

 

No problem here using the mirror also. Unfortunately, the mirror is "after" front right fender positioning.

The one I want to master as well as on my '83SC is "997 entry positioning".

Perhaps, I am just to scared to scratch my 997.

Crazy as it may sound, I did research the idea of installing a 'perimeter/distance' unit to assist. I want to fully maximize my 997 driving experience.

 

Why are you trying to drive so close to stationary objects? If I don't have at least 1 foot separation from the mirror on the passenger side, then I am in creep mode until I clear whatever I am trying to get past. If I'm not sure, I'll find an alternate route. cheaper than a visit to the body shop.

 

Vaious reasons. Some examples:

1. Have you encountered soccer Moms driving the opposite direction hogging almost the whole street?

2. From a parking standpoint, I want to be as close to the pillars/columns as much as possible and away from the car on my left side.

3. Make room for motorcycles (lane sharing)

4. Full control of the 997

5. Etc.......


I really really enjoy driving. I just don't use the 997 to take me from point A to B.

 

If you have the time and inclination try some Autocross. Not only will you learn how close you can get to a cone without hitting it, you'll learn an awful lot about the capabilities and limits of the car too.

 

Tony Stewart Driving school?

 

OUCH!

 

Too soon...lol

 

burn!

 

Almost 400 views and this thread would probably die soon.

So, I think to master my 997 as well as my 911SC, I'll just go ahead and would do the same practice runs and maneuvers as I did on my SC. Haven't wrecked any of my previous and current vehicles yet with the my crazy driving habits.

 

I assume you know about the automatic tilt-down feature on the right mirror and use that when parking to see your distance to the curb (the right mirror has to be selected but you can leave the switch there). I occasionally use it for a non-backing curb parking read by just tilting the mirror down manually and looking to check my distance.

As per jhbrennan and others, I also have found the mirror distance to edge to be useful. There is a spot in our company parking garage I use sometimes and I pull up right next to the concrete wall leaving only an inch between the mirror and the wall to maximize separation from the cars on the other side. You just have to keep in mind to stay at least parallel or nose toward the wall a tiny fraction so that the rear fender (especially on a C4) doesn't get closer than that.

 

I'm sure you're a good driver and I hope you find a good method for judging passenger side distances. Please, please remember that in California it's a law that you give bicycles at least a three feet gap when passing (and three feet is not a lot of space). Being a cyclist, and training on all manner of roads, it is annoying and startles the bejebers out of me when some butt-head either is not paying attention or feels like he/she can't be bothered to move his steering wheel an inch and give me a reasonable berth. Having said that, it is usually the elderly, soccer moms and kids driving rice burners that are the problem.

 

The side mirror and it's tilt capability helped me a lot. I don't have problems with side distance --- just front right entry.

Yes, I consider myself to be a good driver. I am also a biker (crotch rocket).

Perhaps I should install these on my 997: