Weissy

I was surprised at how light the clutch felt when I test drove the 997S a month ago. Was this just the demo car or is the clutch in the 997S notably less stiff then in previous models?? In the end it didn't bother me to much I guess as I have a Dec build date now.

Rasta

Your experience is not unusual - the test drive of the C2S that I drove had a very light clutch as well. It was almost surreal. Personal view is that this reduces the driver-machine bond a little, but damn is that thing easy to drive.

OH997

I also noticed a click at the top as you release the clutch peddle.

PDQ PDK CAYMAN S

I have driven the 997 S only for a few miles and with the lighter clutch I am hoping that will help my wife to like to drive the car and help my back problems. If there is a way to make it more user friendly they should do it. On my 1979 SC the clutch was so difficult I could not teach my daughter to drive it. So this is improving.

Moogle

you are likely talking about the microswtich inside the mechanism that tells the car when the clutch is depressed.

this was on the entire 9X6 generation, and mabye even ones before that, it is to prevent the car from starting in gear, and to let the computer know that you are depressing the clutch.

OH997

Perhaps. I had a 99 and it was not nearly as noticeable. Not a problem, just an observation.

GreggT

I'm curious.....specifically which 'previous models'?..........996?.......have you driven 986 or Turbo?

Weissy

I actually haven't driven a 996 stick. I drove my friends 996 but he had the tip in it instead of a manual gear box. Currently I am driving a '02 boxster S and my clutch is noticeably stiffer then the 997 S that I test drove witch is why I posted this message in the first place. I like the stiffer clutch action as opposed to this seemingly light action in the 997 S. But again it didn't stop me from ordering one!! I remember driving my fathers car back in the early '90s he had a carra 4 not sure of the internal model number and that car had a very stiff clutch that allmost seemed to go up and then down to the floor. That clutch seemed alitlle much for every day driving but I guess you can't have it both ways.

GreggT

Early 90s......964.

OK........well the 986 (Boxster) had the stiffest clutch of any in the last 8 yrs in the Pcar line......so if that was a point of ref for you, there ya go.....honestly I can't recall the feel of the 964.
The 996 is a tad lighter than the 986......but that's my opin and probably is considered by most to be same as 986.

What is the lightest clutch (most power assist) in current line?..........well before the 997, it was surprisingly the current Turbo (along with a very high engage point in it's travel BTW).
I can not personally compare the 997 as I have not driven it.

RR

The clutch feels so light like a VW or an AUDI, b/c to me, again this is only my opinion, but to me the clutch and the "springy feel" of the shifter is ALL VW/Audi. It is much different from the previous generation. Go sit in an A4 or S4 work the clutch and shifter and then sit in a 997.
I heard that a lot of the components in the 997 are very similar if not identical to some Audi internals.

Mr. slick

After having driven a 5 speed maxima for the past year, the clutch actually felt heavy, but thats because the clutch in the max is feather light. But comparing it to other sports cars I've been in your right it is lighter. Never driven any other Porsche so I can't compare it to the other porsches, but after being so used to the family sedan feel of the maxima, I still managed to stall it out my first try

SkipSauls

I've owned and driven a number of Porsches such as a 986, 928 S4, 993 C4S, 993 TT, 944 Turbo, 911 SC, 993 racecar, and even a 996 Cup Car with a 5" Tilton clutch and on/off switch clutch pedal. The 997 S feels great to me, so I'm not sure what the fuss is about. Perhaps it is my "glass is half full" nature that looks for the best in a car instead of trying to nitpick it to death. No offense, but some of you people seem to go through life looking for things that you don't like, which seems awfully sad and miserable to me!

Weissy

Wow budy slow down. I have no problem with it at all after all we are only talking about a clutch here. Was just makeing an observation about it as I prefer the stiffer variety. I also prefer big breasted women you may not. Regadless no reason to get so upset about it, was just wondering if it was car specific or just a beat up demo modell.

GreggT

OMG.......I've been discovered........I'm not only a nitpicker, but yes it's true, I'm also sad and miserable.