3-Spoke vs 4-Spoke Steering Wheel

[thstone]

Can someone explain why the 3-spoke wheel is more desirable than the 4-spoke? What am I missing?

[2003S]

"3, it's the magic number."
- Schoolhouse Rock

[Chris B]

3 spoke = S

[Auf los!]

The answer to your question is an engineering one. If you look at the great majority of racing car steering wheels, it is evident that 3 is considered the minimum number of spokes that will also provide the required strength. I've attached a picture of a 917K wheel. For most sportscars, the same lightness and strength is desirable. From a marketing standpoint, a 3-spoke wheel evokes racing, if what you are building is a sportscar.

[southernstar]

Porsche introduced the 3 spoke wheel in the 2000 Boxster S and then installed it in all Boxsters starting in 2001. Frankly, while not a huge issue, I prefer the 4 spoke wheel as it allows your hands to be placed in a 9 and 3 position without interference from the spokes. I suspect that this was why Porsche introduced 4 spoke wheels on the 911's back in the 60's and continued to produce them, in one form or another, until 2001.

Brad

[Mark_T]

4 spoke = dated and fugly
3 spoke = very cool, get more chicks

[j.fro]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

4 spoke = dated and fugly
3 spoke = very cool, get more chicks

I believe this is a direct translation of the German language TSB issued by Porsche in 2000.

[Porsche Chick]

Originally Posted by Mark_T

4 spoke = dated and fugly
3 spoke = very cool, get more chicks

Not sure this is completely accurate. . .

[bar10dah]

I'm one of the few that prefer the 4-spoke over the 3. I just think it looks better.

Auf los, thanks for that explanation. Never thought about that. I always thought the 3-spoke was "desireable" because it was an "upgrade" on the order sheet, and nothing more.

Southernstar, haven't you heard? The latest info being taught at driver's ed is 9 and 3, not for comfort, but to be out of the way of the airbag during deployment. With 10 and 2, most folks were suffering from injuries ranging from abrasions to broken bones. But, I do agree with you, 9 and 3 just feels comfortable, especially right on top of the top-spokes.

[ekam]

Your d*** will fall off if you have the 4-spoke wheel!

[particlewave]

As if a woman would know or even notice. All they see is that gold crest.

[Mark_T]

Oh great - dating advice from Sheldon

[Porsche Chick]

Originally Posted by particlewave

As if a woman would know or even notice. All they see is that gold crest.

Sigh . . .

You mean this gold crest?


Wood Steering Wheels | Vintage Steering Wheels | Horn Buttons | Porsche Steering Wheels and Hockey Pucks

I would love to figure out how to install this one, but I have stupid flappy paddles on my current 3 spoke (below).

[particlewave]

Originally Posted by Porsche Chick

Sigh . . .

You mean this gold crest?

T'was just shoptalk amongst us stupid boys
Pay it no mind...

[particlewave]

A darn sexy one at that!

[pothole]

Was just thinking that if we're talking definitive Boxster, this is it for me, four-spoker and all...

[Snowman]

I also prefer the four. It would allow me to place my left hand at the bottom of the wheel, where I prefer it. However, I'm stuck with a three and don't care enough to switch to a different wheel. If there were a choice at purchase, I'd choose four.

[Mark_T]

Hey, I got a 4 spoke sitting here doing nothing if anyone wants to do a straight trade for a 3!

[ketsa]

Basic Volkswagens and its variants (Seat, Skoda, Audi) are equipped with tree spoke wheel, so it is probably cheaper to manufacture...

[husker boxster]

3 spoke

As someone said on this forum many yrs ago - it evokes thoughts of a woman's bikini underwear. I want my hands wrapped around that.