Suspension - Balance Between Comfort / Style And Road Handling

[Spinning]

Recently , my sister in law asked if I could help her in the purchase of a 2012 Porsche Boxster S .. More than happy too was my reply .. So I set out talking the talk, and walking through the urgly process - all too familar with sales persons .. Having sat through many demo drives , I finally arrived at a 2012 Porsche Boxster - held by a elder lady with just over 10,000k's and having been equipped with 19' and low profile tyres from new .

The drives through the streets and freeways of Melbourne , provided a exhilarating driving experience , both in 'normal' mode and again in 'sports plus'. - Real pocket rocket with go kart qualities .. - Sold !!!

Now ..........over the weekend , I was luckly to be the co driver in the Porsche on a trip to Swan Hill , and boy , from the get go, that suspension quality that I fell in love with during the demo drive , was soon the topic of discussion for 3 hours for all the wrong reasons .. You felt all the flaws in the road , and shook the car from one bump to the next - You felt the drive through the leather seats and through the steering wheel. It was only when you passing cars at 150k's , that you appreciated the solid drive.

I can recall thinking during the demo drive , I should drop the bat mobile (GT335) , and look to improve its stance and road handling , however , having endured 6 hrs in the Porsche , I am pleased to say , I think I will shelf that idea .. I think I now know why the elder lady sold the car .. hahaha.

My daughter recently sold the Honda Civic Type R for the same reasons..

Is there any way - you can retain the current stance of the car, but give you some softness , compliance during higher highway speeds ??

[Ralph Wiggum]

How thick is your wallet?

Anything is possible with enough kesh thrown at it. Euro + Suspenions = uber 'spensive

[senna_T]

It's not always the suspension's fault either you know... The car has 19's and quite possibly run-flat tyres, run flats are notorious for having super stiff side walls which can lead to tram lining and harsh ride.

The wheel and tyre combo is ok on a big weighty car like the falcon considering it's designed for our roads and long haul touring. The Boxster is a featherweight in comparison and is designed for handling performance. Add this with the low profile tyres and there you have your harsh ride.

If it doesn't have run flats - just ignore me completely!

[discostig]

Falcon

F

T

W

Not helping I know, but I enjoyed reading your thoughts on a factory set up Porsche as a daily on Aussie roads.

[Spinning]

Senna_T is spot on ...............We are running 225/35/R19 on the front and 265/30/R19 on the rears ..........I recall kicking the walls of the tyre and there isnt much there .. So I guess , we need to look at a taller tyre if we are going to stay with the 19' wheels - so to improve comfort on highway runs .

Senna_T wasnt wrong when he said 'the boxster is a lightweight' - although under load , and on passing 3 double b in a row , you are grateful for the firm suspension - just hand on and put you foot down and no waiting for the revs to build - you 're off ..