How do I drive a Porsche?!

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by tomc88

I've read so much about how Porsche have 'unique' handling, which is why I ask the question.

I certainly plan to do some Silverstone driving course. Been recommended some.

That's probably refering to the old aircooled 911's with the engine in the rear. None of that applies to Boxsters which are mid-engine.
As for driving in the rain, TIREs is #1. Be sue you have proper tires with more than half the tread depth left & less than 4 years old.

[southernstar]

Byprodirver, while the 911 (especially early ones) are much more 'unique' in terms of handling than the mid-engined Boxster, nevertheless, for someone like the OP who I gather has only driven front-wheel drive cars in the past, the handling is still pretty 'unique'-i.e., a tendancy at the limit towards oversteer rather than understeer.

Brad

[BYprodriver]

Originally Posted by southernstar

Byprodirver, while the 911 (especially early ones) are much more 'unique' in terms of handling than the mid-engined Boxster, nevertheless, for someone like the OP who I gather has only driven front-wheel drive cars in the past, the handling is still pretty 'unique'-i.e., a tendency at the limit towards oversteer rather than understeer.

Brad

Never the less, I believe the OP's trepidation is derived from assuming Boxsters handle similarly to classic Porsches. Generaly speaking if you can't drive a Boxster safely, you shouldn't have a drivers license.

[southernstar]

Byprodriver, I agree - especially if you are not pushing the car towards its limits. However, once you approach or exceed the limits of stability, there is a substantial difference in how a Boxster and a front-wheel drive car will react. In a typical front-wheel drive car, if you go into a corner too hot the car will continue to understeer regardless of whether you let off on the gas, apply the brakes or even give it more gas. In a Boxster, after initial understeer on turn-in, there is a transition to oversteer that will be uncomfortable for the uninitiated. In those circumstances, applying the brakes will just about ensure that the rear end will come around (weight transfer forward and unloading of the rear tires). One has to understand that and moreover, automatically react by reversing the steering imput. Once you have 'caught' the rear end, you can even play with gradual throttle imput. Unsafe handling? Of course not. But different from a front-wheel drive car? Certainly.

Brad