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Originally Posted by Topless
This is so true. How different drivers set up for a corner greatly affects perceived car balance and handling. This is why every car that is driven to the limits of traction should be set up for driver style and preference. John and Jim might (and probably would) drive the same car and one would notice distinct understeer, the other would find the car very neutral to his driving style. Care to guess which one is which??  |
Hi,
Sorry, but this is not true. Understeer and Oversteer are not nearly as subjective as some here are trying to make it. These are very definite,
measurable phenomena.
The definition can be quite simple -
Oversteer, the Car steers deeper into a turn than the turn of the steering wheel would indicate and the Rear End will break away 1st, with
Understeer the Car turns shallower than the steering wheel would indicate and the Front End will lose traction before the Rear.
But, the reason(s) this occurs are very complex and a combination of many factors from Track (F/R), Tire size and pressure (even Tire Temp), suspension deflection and settings, Body Roll, alignment settings, etc. Several of these are the result of a number of components which if altered, will also alter how the car responds.
All of this assumes the car is driven in a steady state. Change the dynamic of the car, and the handling characteristics will also change.
Now, all this can be quite different when viewed subjectively by a particular driver using their own driving style, but there is still a static tendency which has been built into the car, whether the driver perceives it or not.
The Boxster is setup by the Factory for the Street. As such, it has a slight Understeer dialed into it because this provides safer, more predictable handling (especially at high speed), it is generally more forgiving, especially to a novice or inexperienced driver. But, Porsche also provides optional equipment such as stiffer shocks and springs, anti-roll bars, front transverse control arms with adjustable Caster settings, for those who wish to adjust the car for Track use...
Happy Motoring!... Jim'99