Naive handling question
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1st Gear
Joined: May 2006
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Naive handling question
Sorry for asking what is most likely a very naive question, but...
I've been driving an 89 952 (944 Turbo S) for the past ten years but it was recently destroyed in a flood. I have been considering a 911 as a replacement, but have some concerns about daily use in a wide variety of street situations. Specifically, if I am on a sweeping highway exit ramp and the person in front of me jams on their brakes, how exactly should this be handled in a 911? My limited experience in rear engined cars tells me that turning the wheel and applying the brake at the same time can have very unpleasant consequences.
Thanks in advance for any pointers.
I've been driving an 89 952 (944 Turbo S) for the past ten years but it was recently destroyed in a flood. I have been considering a 911 as a replacement, but have some concerns about daily use in a wide variety of street situations. Specifically, if I am on a sweeping highway exit ramp and the person in front of me jams on their brakes, how exactly should this be handled in a 911? My limited experience in rear engined cars tells me that turning the wheel and applying the brake at the same time can have very unpleasant consequences.
Thanks in advance for any pointers.
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Stockholm, Sweden
Trail braking, braking deep into a curve, with a 911 can be very exciting. If you feel that you are going too fast to both brake and turn, the trick is "to make a straight". First point the steering wheel straight ahead, then brake as much you can. When you get close to the edge of the tarmac, release the brakes and continue turning. Repeat if needed. At first this feels very uncomfortable, but it is very efficient.
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From: So.CA
Hi Marc,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your car ...always loved the 951, and the S even nicer.
The 911 "oversteer problem" is both overblown and real. Sure, it can oversteer and has a greater likelihood than front-weight biased cars, but it isn't going to suddenly bite you in the butt like some 4-wheeled demon, unless you are doing something you really shouldn't be doing. And there's the fine line. No way to describe it in words or to prepare by reading. Do a DE and feel the car's traits; the rear-bias is a handling perk, not a liability, but only when you've learned how to use it. But stock in good shape, a 911 has lots of built-in understeer and is no more dicey to drive than anything else, just understand "what" kind of car you're driving and you're good. On the positive side, the direct steering, low CG, and overall tight feel, really make for a car that feels like no other ..."satisfying" is a gross understatement.
Hope this helps you.
Edward
Sorry to hear about the loss of your car ...always loved the 951, and the S even nicer.
The 911 "oversteer problem" is both overblown and real. Sure, it can oversteer and has a greater likelihood than front-weight biased cars, but it isn't going to suddenly bite you in the butt like some 4-wheeled demon, unless you are doing something you really shouldn't be doing. And there's the fine line. No way to describe it in words or to prepare by reading. Do a DE and feel the car's traits; the rear-bias is a handling perk, not a liability, but only when you've learned how to use it. But stock in good shape, a 911 has lots of built-in understeer and is no more dicey to drive than anything else, just understand "what" kind of car you're driving and you're good. On the positive side, the direct steering, low CG, and overall tight feel, really make for a car that feels like no other ..."satisfying" is a gross understatement.
Hope this helps you.Edward
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 489
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From: Maryland
take one for a drive and see how you feel behind the wheel. it took me time to get used to the rear engine but now ive had it for about 3 years and im loving every bit of it. its a little more involving then the 944 but very fun none the less
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Los Osos, Ca
I thin the 911 over steer/ brake in a straight line problem is overblown. Yes, it does demand a slightly different driving style, but it's not even close to as dangerous as people might think.
I've been on the track with 40-50 new drivers a day, many times, most of them 911's with 944's 914's 928's, etc. mixed in, and the 911's don't go off track any more than the other guys. If it was such a big problem, the 911 guys would be sliding around in the dirt all over the place, bouncing like kids in a swimming pool, but it's not happening.
A mistake is a mistake, every car configuration has it's pros and cons, and if you screw up in a 911, or a corvette, you're out in the dirt just the same.
I've been on the track with 40-50 new drivers a day, many times, most of them 911's with 944's 914's 928's, etc. mixed in, and the 911's don't go off track any more than the other guys. If it was such a big problem, the 911 guys would be sliding around in the dirt all over the place, bouncing like kids in a swimming pool, but it's not happening.
A mistake is a mistake, every car configuration has it's pros and cons, and if you screw up in a 911, or a corvette, you're out in the dirt just the same.
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From: Monterey, CA
Below the limits of adhesion, you can do what ever you want with the brakes and steering. The car will go where you point it. As you approach and then exceed the limits of adhesion for your car and the weather/road conditions, you can affect how the car behaves with braking and steering inputs. Let's hope you're not pushing it so hard on freeway on/off ramps that braking to avoid contact results in anything other than a smooth deceleration. The 911 handles very well. It's rear weight bias is not a liability. You have to learn its handling characteristics as you would any other vehicle make and model and then drive sanely. It is not a oversteer happy car as many would have you believe.
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Sounds like he's testing the waters to see if he wants to get into a 911.
Yes, the early short wheel based cars are more tricky at their limits. My point is that most cars driven below their limits will do what ever you ask them to do. The important part is keeping it sane on the street and not exceeding these limits.
Yes, the early short wheel based cars are more tricky at their limits. My point is that most cars driven below their limits will do what ever you ask them to do. The important part is keeping it sane on the street and not exceeding these limits.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: CARLSBAD CA
I just put myself in the mindset that I'm driving a front engine. rear wheel drive car backwards, with 5 reverse speeds, 1 forward speed, and the seats & steering wheel turned 180 deg. to avoid a stiff neck.
At first this is confusing, but after a while it's even more so.
At first this is confusing, but after a while it's even more so.
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From: Nor Cal Bay Area
A lot of people have lost car sin floods the last few years.. it seems like plenty of them are starting to show up too.. the best way to handle that is to always leave yourself enough room so if someone does throw out the anchor you have plenty of room to stop... otherwise just get to know your car and try not to over react or go to the brake sharder than needed. Porsche's stop pretty well so you should be fine