How long did it take to get used to the ignition on the left side?
 

I now this is kind of a lame topic, but did you keep trying to stick the ignition key somewhere on the right side when you first started driving a 911?:eek:

About 2 days.

Now whenever I get into another car I try to put the key into the left side and everyone looks at me like I'm crazy.

10 minutes 38 seconds

And...I only attempt to put the key to the left in my P car.

C2 rower, its safe to assume you row?? correct?
let's see a picture of an Empacher and rack on the roof of that C2!

Maurice
1980 SC Coupe

That was easy to get used to. Switching from my 911 to my S4, though, remembering where first is messes me up every time.

Where else would it be? - Greetings from Down Under...

I had a Saaaaab with the key on the floor between the seats...locked the shifter.

Being a product of the 60's I was looking for an ignition that didn't conform http://www.pelicanparts.com/support/smileys/rainbow.gif

Every time I go from the Mercedes or the 944 to the 911, I have to learn this all over again.

No time at all. Every Porsche I've owned had the key on the left. Soon after that, I began to wonder why other car makers insisted on putting it anywhere else...where children or passengers could grab it.

Seems natural to me. Of course, I'm lefthanded. And the Cayenne has the key on the left too, so now it feels weird to get in a 'normal' car and try to find the ignition on the steering column! -- Curt

Every time I get into my Porsche it so different than any other car. You kind of get into Porsche mode and always stick it in on the left!

Curt? Please quit tying to sell me on any sports ute...I'm not gonna buy one, no matter where the key is located. The Cayenne? No matter how well engineered, is a spots ute. I don't want one. Others are welcome to make their own decisions...

No time at all, since all of the fire engines I drive have it on the left as well.

It's driving other vehicles with it on the right I have a problem with. AI always try to stick the key in the air vent in my truck, because it's right where the key would go if it was a Porsche.

Of course, you all know the reason it's on the left, right?

Funny, when I get into any air cooled Porsche, I instinctively reach for the left side. When I get into a 944 or 928, I instinctively reach for the right.

But, when I get into a 996 or Boxster, I instinctively reach for the right, which is wrong. It confuses the hell out of me. Proof to me, that the new cars are a different breed, and have a totally different vibe. My subconscious tells me it's a Japaneses car.

Silly as it may be, it was one of the first things that I appriciated about the 911. Much like an airplane, driving a 911 (as it should be driven) requires your full attention, and you become more of a "pilot" than a "driver". Coincidentally, most GA aircraft have the key on the left side, and an air-cooled flat six too!

No time at all.....

But then I ususally get into the wrong side of the car altogther....its a LHD car in a RHD anf my dialy driver is a RHD car. Oh joy.....

My key hole is on the right hand side, but then again its a right hand drive car.

Easier than my SAAB which is between the seat. Oh well at least there heated.

I agree. Although my wife doesn't understand it when I explain it to her.

Ok Mike I'll bite, why?
First time I went to turn my car off (test drive) I ground the starter. :eek: Haven't had any problems since.

Do you do a walk around, pre-drive check and yell out "Clear" before you light the engine?

I'm always confused :D
I swap cars regularly, so when I'm in my daily driver, I reach with the keys to the left side of the steering column and when I get back in the Porsche I reach for the right...

cheers,

Jeroen

Mike,
I seem to recall that it had to do with the old "Le Mans start" races, as the German racing guys decided they would be a few seconds faster getting away, as the pilot could start car with one hand and engage first gear with the other...
By the by, the 901 box was known as a "Le Mans shift" layout also, because with first on a dogleg the top four gears that were actually used on the track were in a nice H pattern. First was only used at the start and later in the pits, for that initial acceleration...;-)

The 3 cars I normally drive all have the key AND the power window switches in different places ('88 Carrera, Saab 9-3, Ford truck). I must look like an idiot when I get in - I sit there and wave my arms around until they get familiar with which car they're in.

You want odd? My Bugeye Sprite has the ignition switch in the middle of the dash and then you have to pull on a start switch that is located to the right and up from ignition switch.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1065099605.jpg

both BMW's - RHD, keys on the right.
911 - LHD, key on the left.

I flip a simple mental switch when approaching the car.

LeRoux

My problem is starting off in second. where the he!! did they put first?

Everytime when i jump into my car i have my key in my right hand, so i guess i havent learn it totally yet. i always remeber the ignition are to the left but still i keep the key in the right hand.

/J

No problem here- every time I drive the car I come running out of my house and down the driveway to my car and give it a "le mans" start anyway.
How's this for odd- In my MGB, my ignition switch went out on me. I couldnt get a new one in time, so i used some spare parts from my boat and now I flip a switch to turn on the electrical, and push a button to start. I always planned on fixing it, but I kinda like it. Sure confuses my friends when they try to drive it

LOL

But of course! Especially if the deck lid is raised. I wouldn't want anyone to get injured by that 11-blade "prop". hehe.

Well I didn't think I'd care if it was left or right until I read this thread. Now I realized that having the ignition on the left is so stupid.

First, which hand do you open the door with? for me it's the left. the same hand that should have my key in. Now my door runs the risk of key scratches.

Second, after your in the car which hand do you close the door, For me it's the left again. Bad idea once again. I have to remember to put the key in the ignition and then close the door.
All my other cars I can get in and start it as the door is closing. And I'm off and on my way. No need to be careful scratching anything.

Sooooo... my vote is that the left is extremely dumb...

just my .03 cents :(

Some simple instructions:

Step One: Unlock door with key in either hand, being careful NOT to scratch your paint. Leave door unlock for LeMans entry and start.

Step Two: Transfer key to left hand if not already.

Step Three: Slide into seat and at the same time insert key into ignition.

Step Four: Reach with left hand to close door and at the same time reach for the seat belt.

Step Five: Start (Light) the engine.

Kurt? Quit braggin'! You must know how much I love early Sprites.... 948 cc's and all. In my heart, they reside along with 356 A models, and the early 911. Ahead of, BTW, early Pontiac Goats. Probably because I actually owned two of those... ;)

Be careful Paul, one day I may just head out west in the Pepper and come take you for a spin ........ :D -- Curt