Skwerl

Is there a reason the good engineers at Porsche put the handbrake on the left side of the driver's seat? Half the time I get out, my pants leg gets caught on the handle. Why is it not on the center console like most cars? My only guess would be something to do with being able to shift and negotiate the brake simultaneously...but why one would do this, I don't know. Any ideas?

Tabor

Probably because that would place the hand brake unreasonably high, their is a torque tube in your center console, that is why it is so high.

Matt O.

Personally, I hate all cars with the hand brake in the center consol. I think the 944 interior is exceptionally designed. Having that smooth level surface for your arm which transforms to the shift **** is perfect in my book.

If I remember correctly the 99 Boxster I drove has the brake in the same spot. Pretty much all Porsches have the brake over there...? What about the 914?

-Matt

Black_951

In 911's the ignition is on the left and the hand brake is on the right. Back when races were started with the drivers literally running to their cars this allowed the driver to jump in, start the ignition, release the brake, and put the car in gear all at the same time.

Today, in our 944's we can just about do the same thing. Ignition, clutch, floor brake, and hand brake can all be operated in one motion.

Black_951

Is the boxster ignition on the right or left?

Skwerl

I do agree that it's nice having a flat arm rest. I was just wondering if there was a functional reason, like Black951's explanation.

Matt O.

Boxster ignition - left.

-Matt

PS
I think. Crap, now I can't remember. I'm pretty sure it's on the left.

Black_951

Well if the Boxster ignition is on the left and the hand brake is on the left then Porsche has abandoned a long held practice.

What about other models? I know for certain the 911 race story about the left sided ignition to be true. I don't know for sure that they carried this over to other models.

sb944

The 944 handbrake is on the right and the ignition is on the right also. At least in Australian right hand side drive cars. Most other cars I have driven have the hand brake in the centre (left) or under the dash and the ignition is always on the right.

Sam.

Cobbs

Little OT here but my moms old SAAB (88 900s) has the ignition switch in the center console like about a foot behind the shifter. From what I've been told this is to eliminate kneecaps from splitting when they impact the keys stuck in an ignition during an accident. Also the shifter **** is kinda large and shaped wierd so that it is bigger than a human eye socket. That way they can't get their eye poked out by the shifter. Now I've wondered all these years how is someones head gonna fly down to the shifter? But I guess anything is possible and they were just trying to keep the bases covered.

Black_951

McLaren F1 has the ignition on the center console as well. I think it looks pretty cool. But, of course, its a million dollar car. They could have put the ignition on the roof and it would have looked cool.

Dave

IIRC Saab puts the ignition in that location because they use a transmission lock instead of a steering lock for security. If you had ever seen "The World According To Garp" you wouldn't need to wonder about the shift ****. The book is better of course, but the movie makes the point well.

Tabor

On left had drive cars, the hand brake is on the left side of the driver, which means it is still on the outside of the car (like in Australia). But the igntion is on the right hand side of the driver, so it goes from the outside of the steering wheel, to the inside of the steering wheel, but remains on the right side of the steering wheel.

Doug

Skwerl, the 914 had the lever in the same place as the 944, but the handle "pivots" down so you dont snag it getting in and out. I have heard the trouser complaint from many 944 owners. The best solution I have found is to keep the brake adjusted very well. This will allow it to engage at the lowest possible point. You might also want to inspect the e-brake shoes for wear. Doug

951carter

that is correct. the brake should be engaged after 2 clicks.that is not high enough to catch on anything as it is still below the sill.