kuma1416

So after about 3 months of ownership of my '17 C4S (also my first Porsche) and over 3500 miles, I can say I'm just enamored by the car and look for any excuse to drive it. But I have to ask other first time 991.2 owners: are you at all slightly/surprisingly disappointed by the steering feel? Don't get me wrong, I think the steering is great- reasonably heavy and responsive, but I thought it was going to feel like a go kart. It doesn't. From center position to about 5-7 degrees either way, the steering wheel feels like it is floating on air; light and without any discernible response in the front wheels up to this point then it gets progressively heavier and more responsive as the wheel is turned. I understand the reason for this variability- but it seems almost too extreme and somewhat artificial. In my old BMW the wheel felt like it was screwed right onto the steering column. On the 911 it feels like it is mounted on large rubber bands. I know this is a highly subjective issue and I think my expectations were probably unrealistic after reading all the reviews about legendary Porsche steering being "sublime" and "telepathic". Just curious what other 1st time owners thought.

Johnny5Alive

My experience may be a little different since I'm in a .1 car but I noticed a bit better feel after I lowered my car. It could have been my imagination but I feel like it also improved slightly when I went to Michelin pilot super sport 4S tires. Moreso from lowering though.

do you have power steering plus?

Fred R. C4S

Is this your first experience with electric steering? If so, it will feel less connected than an older car with hydraulic steering.

4pipes

I have the RWD version and don't feel a dead zone around TDC.

Loft23

Steering feels perfect for me. Came from an F10 M5 with Competition package and that steering was great in normal mode. Driving the Porsche electric steering, I didn't know that it could feel any better. It's precise, just the right weight, and coming from fat steering wheels of BMW's, I actually enjoy the smaller diameter and thickness of the 911. It's the best steering I have felt and I have driven many Audis and BMWs (both hydraulic and electric). More than the steering, the rear-wheel steering I think is a major contributor to the responsiveness of the car. Best performance option IMO.

kuma1416

Interesting, I suppose a lot of it is based on prior experience. In any case I'm glad I did not get the power steering plus, which I think would have made the steering way too light.

Dennis C

Interesting comments here. There have been lots of discussions on steering feel around here, both good and bad. I've owned three 911s, and the steering feel was fantastic in all of them. Many people consider the steering feel in the 996 series cars to be the best of the water-cooled 911s. I thought it was great, but the steering in my 991 is great too. I agree that rear-wheel steering makes the 991 more responsive. I prefer the 991 steering feel to the 997 that I owned before it.

fuddman

I like the feel of the C4 steering; but, to me, anyway, the hydraulic steering on my M3 is, noticeably, more responsive.

Is the M3 steering better? I'd have to say yes - to the same degree as ocean caught Salmon is better than farmed Salmon.

pitt911

your old BMW must be before they shifted to electric steering
electric steering is different feel than hydraulic and different companies have done better job than others at perfecting it . Interestingly, BMW ES is probably the worst as compared to completion and Porsche is one of the best .

jesm

I definitely agree with you...my 2006 325i has an awesome hydraulic steering feel. My M4 was a total LET DOWN.....there was no connection at all. It was fast, but boring to drive, all over the place. BMW has really lost their way. Once I test drove a Cayman, 911 I was sold...even though its electric its AMAZING feedback. I look forward to driving the 911 everyday now...

MFC993

I have a 428 Gran Coupe with the track package and even in Sport Plus mode the steering just feels disconnected.
I've yet to test drive the 991.2 but looking forward to it as I want to get a GTS cab here soon.

fuddman

Old!?
My 2013 is not old.

DBH

This would be a E9* series M3, with the V8 right? They were fitted with the hydraulic steering, not electric. Night and day difference!! Even so, when I traded mine in on a Porsche with electric steering and I found it significantly better than the BMW steering.

stout

Steering feel: 986/996 > 987/997 > 981/991

Steering response: 981/991 wins

Steering precision: 981/991 wins

Steering accuracy: 981/991 wins

justabout

I assume "feel" includes traction changes or push from longitudinal ridges in the road. I have limited experience with electric steering but thus far the "feel" is definitely reduced compared to hydraulic units.