Hi Friends.

I have a question on steering feel.

Last week I purchased a new-to-me 2012 991 PDK C2S with 30k miles. It was babied by a local PCA member and is in fantastic condition. The 40k, 50k and 60k services have been done based on time.

I am reasonably familiar with handling between certain 911 models having progressed from a 2010 997.2 to a 2015 991 Targa 4S, and now to this 2012.5 C2S.

My question is a handling/steering question. When I punch it and accelerate through 30-80MPH, for example, the car to me feels light, wafty, and not as connected to the road as I am used to on the two from wheels. It’s as if the weight up front disappears and steering gets really light at the steering wheel. This could very well be a function that I am moving from a 991 Targa where there is more weight overall, and also 4WD. The Targa just hunched down on the road and I am not getting that feel with the 991 C2S. I also don’t recall having this situation in the 997.

I am wondering is this just a difference between the models or something I should look into.

Best,
Chris

 

I have the exact same year/model (+ PDCC, SPASM, steering plus), the front end is a bit light lighter and floaty at higher speeds.

 

Loose is fast.

 

How in the world did you go from a 15 targa s to a 12 carerra 2s?

 

Everytime you drive a 4 and a 2 back to back you'll feel something like that. The 4s have more going on with power being fed thru the front wheels, especially when puching it as you say. There's more vibration, pulling, etc... It gives it a heavier meatier feel - in my experience anyway. 2s only have steering to worry about, you'll get used to it. More pure, nothing else going on in a straight line anyway. It's not *truly* floaty, just less stuff filtering through to your hands. Your brain needs to recalibrate. You should borrow my E-golf with zero steering feel for an hour, that'll help you greatly ;-)

 

Um, no crap. Fair question. Was between jobs — got a hall pass from my dear wife to travel out west for 3 months including Montana, Idaho, etc. and then another 6 months with the wife to some cool places. Some rugged territory. I was very fortunate to have the opportunity.

The Targa seemed to be too precious for the out-West trip, so I bought a Jeep instead. That led to a conversation about letting the Targa sit for 9+ months, so I sold it to Porsche Southpoint. I regret it.

Now I am back in the game and got the 991S for my daily driver, and also just got a 964 Targa as a weekend fun car. I am very happy, but that 991 Targa was awesome. It was mint. I want it back.

 

I have also found that to be the case but for a couple different factors. One, a 911 has a rear engine, the weight transfer puts a lot of the weight to the back so naturally the front end is lighter and can feel lighter in the steering. Compared to the 997, 987, and early cars the hydraulic steering certainly offers more feedback and can feel more connected than the electric power steering. The next factor can be steering plus, that can change the weighting of the steering. Personally I would have the dealer delete the steering plus option (software). Give some low speed feedback and weight back.

 

I’m of the opinion that it has more to do with the suspension tuning. I had ohlins R&T installed on my 991.1 C2 along with some elephant racing LCAs, and the difference in steering feel is incredible. The car has lost that light floaty feeling when accelerating, and the steering itself is incredibly raw, you feel everything in the road. I personally love it.