Is PSM a Necessity?

[rick3000]

I haven't got PSM, and from my point of view it would probably help driving in rain and snow. But considering the fact that cars didn't have any sort of traction control until a few years ago, it does not make a huge difference. I enjoy my spirited driving without the PSM, and in conditions when it might help me from spinning off the road, I'll just slow down. It is no big deal, just tame your driving to fit the road conditions.

And in response to boxsterz, what your getting at is that PSM boxsters can go faster on twisty roads and in poor road conditions. But who cares about speeding up the mountain in the snow, or speeding up on an average day. Unless your racing someone it doesn't matter and if you were racing you probably would be professional enough to turn the PSM off.

[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.

Originally Posted by rick3000

I haven't got PSM, and from my point of view it would probably help driving in rain and snow. But considering the fact that cars didn't have any sort of traction control until a few years ago, it does not make a huge difference. I enjoy my spirited driving without the PSM, and in conditions when it might help me from spinning off the road, I'll just slow down. It is no big deal, just tame your driving to fit the road conditions. And in response to boxsterz, what your getting at is that PSM boxsters can go faster on twisty roads and in poor road conditions. But who cares about speeding up the mountain in the snow, or speeding up on an average day. Unless your racing someone it doesn't matter and if you were racing you probably would be professional enough to turn the PSM off.

[/QUOTE]


FYI most "professional" drivers and top level racing venues are deeply involved in stability control and dynamic steering. I care a great deal because that's where all the fun is . I understand that many box owners are like you, more sedate. However, for those more performance oriented drivers, PSM allows for deeper and more frequent probing of the limits. PSM gives you that edge because it allows you safer driving. Safer driving allows for MORE driving. And practice makes perfect. What I like to do is drive outside the PSM bubble. If I get into the PSM threshold then I probably went too far. I know I crossed the line.


I would like to point out -- Those that have no experience with PSM or do not have PSM equipped cars are the naysayers. Interestingly, you are mostly base owners. That says a lot. Who here WITH PSM would rather not have it in exhange for a few hundred dollars back? I don't think anyone. That really IS the group to key in on.
Truth be told, I find many of the objections to be base owners who really have no insight and are defending some kind of inferiority complex. Whatever the case maybe, a side by side test with a PSM car would be very revealing.


PSM is very sophiticated compared to your garden varienty stability control in other cars. It is universally lauded for it's unobstusiveness. And having driven one extensively, I'd have to agree with the automotive press. PSM gives you that confidence in finding those limits, where as you'd shy away without it. In the end, it depends on what kind of driver you are or want to be.

[Topless]

PSM is a wonderful little piece of modern technology. Like an IPOD or GPS it is just a a tool. A tool for safer driving. Can you live without it...yes you can. Is life better with it... yes it is. Like tire choices every driver must decide for themselves what is most important on their ride. My current car does not have PSM but my next one surely will.

[rick3000]

Firstly, I resent being called a sedate driver.
Second, I agree that the people without PSM seem to be the one's saying it doesn't matter. If I had ordered my car from Porsche I would have spent the few extra bucks on PSM. It obviously makes a difference, and because I don't have it, I am viewing it as an advantage. Because if I ever get in a car without a traction control system, I'll now how to drive without relying on a computer chip.

[kras]

I believe PSM is standard on all Boxsters now.

Originally Posted by kras

I believe PSM is standard on all Boxsters now.

Correct, PSM is standard on the 987.

Originally Posted by rick3000

Firstly, I resent being called a sedate driver.
Second, I agree that the people without PSM seem to be the one's saying it doesn't matter. If I had ordered my car from Porsche I would have spent the few extra bucks on PSM. It obviously makes a difference, and because I don't have it, I am viewing it as an advantage. Because if I ever get in a car without a traction control system, I'll now how to drive without relying on a computer chip.

K, maybe not sedate, um... how about more sane than I Thanks for your honesty with the second point. Refreshing. Lastly, I want to make clear the point about PSM doing all the driving. I do not use PSM for covering up my mistakes. Just the opposite, PSM allows me to expose my mistakes without having me pay dearly for them (wrecking).


In fact, every corner I find with enough run off room, I disable PSM, and fly solo. See if I can "beat" PSM. That's PSM's greatest feature, it's user defeatable (if you use the brakes it comes back on for that duration). PSM riding co-pilot is like Jackie Stewart riding shotgun, only better, because Jackie can't swap places with you instantaneously. PSM does just that. There when you need it, gone when you don't.


I consider myself a pretty good driver, and PSM has made me a better one. I really look forward to having PASM one day. For the record, if I could never switch off PSM, I wouldn't get it.


For everyone, don't knock it until you've tried it.

[Dr. Kill]

+1 for the PSM camp. I can see an argument for an experienced driver opting to not have PSM on a dedicated track car, but for city driving, regardless of experience level, I think it is a different story.

When you are on the track, you are driving under very controlled conditions and giving 10/10ths attention to what you are doing. On the street, we do not have as much control over the road and traffic conditions. And let’s be honest, street driving is never done with 100% concentration for 100% of the time. I feel like I pay a lot more attention than the average driver, and I can think of at least three times that PSM has stepped in to help me out at times when I have needed it. Maybe I would have corrected and saved it, maybe I wouldn’t have. Regardless, I am thankful that my Porsche has this technology.