Is PSM a Necessity?

[HIFI]

Has anyone driven a Boxster with Traction Control extensively and compared it to PSM driving? I'd be curious to know how much better PSM is (obviously I have TC).

[drburton]

I'm a big fan of PSM especially as a relatively inexperienced track driver. The great part about it is that it let's you slide a bit before it reigns you in. My other cars with traction control it kicks in much earlier.

On the track, I had a number of mild slides and it never kicked in. I was pretty happy to know it was there though as I test the limits of the car. I wouldn't disable it until I am a much more experienced driver and feel that I can benefit (have more fun) with it off.

Contrary to popular belief, I read somewhere that PSM has very little impact on your ability to get good times on the track. I can't recall the exact numbers but some professional drivers experimented with it on versus off and the time differences were insignificant.

Point being, I'm glad I have it.

[racer_d]

This arguement is likely split based on some easy demographics like age and location.

Folks who learned to drive on cars without ANY computer intervention will likely say no, it is not necessary.

Those who want the latest gizmos and who rely more on technology than skill will say Yes, it is necessary.

I am in camp #1. I like getting the car to rotate with the throttle. I don't appreciate interference from the "please save me" button.

As a side note, this is a good reason for 987 buyers to consider the Sport Chrono option...because it tones down PSM when in Sport Mode.

[Uncle Bob]

Originally Posted by bmussatti

As a side note, this is a good reason for 987 buyers to consider the Sport Chrono option...because it tones down PSM when in Sport Mode.

Yes it does, in fact it allows quite a bit of spin, wheel hop and lateral movement before engaging.

I took it off at the DE in Bremerton Raceway in the skidpad....I learned to steer with the throttle.

I find it difficult to agree with you, racer_d. Aside form the obvious inference that electronic devices naturally indicate a lack of control or experience, the main point is the system is completely disabled easily enough. My point is that with out it being offered? Porsche's market share would be nowhere the size it is today and Boxsters may well have never been marketable. Good, bad or indifferent....it's a cold hard monetary decision. I grew up driving motorcycles, never even had a car till I was in my early 20's and that was on the LA freeways in the 60's. Traction control was your pucker factor.

[kras]

PSM is like seat belts. They provide no benefit --well, unless you actually need them.

A few years ago, I did a 360 on I-95 going 70mph. A sudden shower made the road slick and the car (a Dodge InCrapped) did a full 360 within a matter seconds. I wasn't even changing lanes. It was pretty scary seeing headlights pointing at me rather than brake lights. Somehow I managed to not hit --or get hit. I was pretty lucky.

I have to wonder how the car would have performed if it had a "PSM" type system.

I went from a no TC jeep liberty to a DSC(dynamic stability control) Z3 to a no traction boxster.

Jeep could do burnouts on wet pavement but never really needed TC ever.
Z3 could spin the tires easily and I could fishtail it and bring it back. DSC saved me plenty of times, but I drove it like it had TC (full throttle in snow/slick/wet, etc...)
Boxster has been hard of traction in winter, but you have to drive it gently to get it to move. Going from 2 sports cars, one with, one without TC, I prefer the non TC. But ONLY for experienced drivers. If my Z3 didnt have TC i would have wrecked lots. A 16 y/o with a sports car can only be so good. But at 18 I knew my way around the wheel decent enough to stay out of trouble. And I have so far, knock on wood.