seeing over the wheel?

911jettat · 10:57 AM

I’m shopping for a 964 and have a driver’s seat question? I need to know if my wife will will be comfortable driving one (researching at this point, and don’t have a car immediately available)? I’m 6’2’’ and wish the steering wheel would adjust, but my passion for the car will see me through that obstacle. My wife is 5’2”, and she’s concerned about the seat being too low (based on her experience driving a car many months ago). I’m not sure about the amount of height adjustment available with the power seats (if any)? What’s the driving experience of someone this size? Thanks in advance, Udo

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

the power seats will raise both the front and rear sections of the seat. like you, i'm 6'2" and have no problems..can't speak for what a person of 5'2" might experience. is she longer in the legs or torso? i would guess it would be helpful to be longer in the torso, as i'm sure the seat will permit her to reach the pedals. my bet is that she's not too short.

Craig S · 03-28-2007, 08:13 PM

My wife is 5' 4" and she doesn't have any problem driving a 964. Further she said visibility problems hadn't even crossed her mind while driving it, so I suspect that your wife will be fine.

911jettat · 08:49 AM

Thanks guys. The combination of my wife seeing over the wheel AND my two kids fitting in the back only temporarily threatened to postpone my 964 purchase. I called the house as I was driving the car home and the family was just finishing dinner… so prefect timing for an ice cream run. We all fit fine; my son (4) behind me (6’2”) with a booster, my daughter (3 months!) in the back passenger seat in her baby carrier and my wife in the front passenger seat (knees a couple inches back from the dash pad). Of course a bunch of neighbors all came over as I pulled into the driveway (the 3.6 really rumbles). So I stressed for a moment as my wonderful solo “first drive” was now over and the reality of the necessary family utility finally hit home. I was crossing my fingers that I wouldn’t let down my wife in front of the neighborhood audience? Fortunately everyone fit fine, actually better than expected. Originally we hoped to all be able to fit in case of an emergency (it’s our second car), but within minutes my wife mentioned that we can probably take short trips in the car!

So to fully answer my own original question: can my wife see over the wheel? The next morning after breakfast, I gave her the keys and said enjoy a drive (and some well-deserved solo time). She can see over the wheel without any problems, but will probably need a seat back booster as it’s a reach to fully depress the clutch pedal. She came back with a big smile on her face. I think the 30 minute solo drive just created a new Porschephile?

I’m just so happy to finally have such a great car! It’s everything I hoped it would be: fast, solid, easy to drive and special feeling every moment you're behind the wheel. I’m going to live with the car for a week or two and then write a “I’m new” or “finally” introduction message (and post pics).

Ok, ok... here are a couple dealer pictures:
http://www.unc.edu/~reisinge/porsche/

Thanks everyone,
Udo

bigchillcar · bigchillcar's Garage

excellent job, udo. very nice 964 and i love the color.

911skb · 03-29-2007, 08:59 PM

Great story. I've had a 964 for a few months now. My wife, 5'5", my boys, 12 and 10 (just about 5'1" and 5'0") and myself, 6', all fit in the car.

I wouldn't make the boys ride in the back for a long time, but it is nice to know that I can pick them up at school, etc, when I need to and not worry about having the Porsche ( I have a four door daily driver that I usually use for work).