Any 968 owners in Glasgow/Edinburgh area?

[m1key]

Hi, I'm looking to buy a 968 (Sport or ClubSport) soon but the problem is that I before I travel around looking at them I could do with knowing that both my girlfriend and I can fit in it OK - I'm 6'5 and she's 5'1!

If there are any 968 owners in the Glasgow/Edinburgh area that wouldn't mind us trying one for size it would be very much appreciated before I start having to make trips looking for the right car.

Thanks.

[shoestring7]

I'm 6' 2" ish with long legs and have a 968CS with the Recaro race/sport seats. The Recaros are fixed higher than the regular seats and headroom is limited even without a sunroof. Unless I remove the cushion and sit on the seat base I cannot drive it with a helmet. Leg room is also adequate rather than exceptional.

I can't offer you a fitting as I'm in the S.East, but I'd be looking for a Sport or coupe if I were you. However if you nip over to the forum at 968uk.com (link is bottom left hand side) I think there are a couple of contributors up your way.

SS7

[Paul968]

One of the guys on the 968uk forum (BigDave at www.porsche968uk.co.uk/phpbb/index.php) is a similar height and he has no problems as I remember, but he is also quite slim. If you aren't then the bucket seats in a club sport might be a problem for you as they are quite narrow and restrictive. The seats in a Sport will not have the same problem.

Can't help with the test in Scotland though - might be worth a post on the 968uk forum?

Paul

[m1key]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I used to have a 944 a few years back and didn't find that too bad for room but as you mentioned the seats on a CS are more restrictive. I'll put a post over on the 968uk forum and see...

Cheers,
Mike.

[david968s]

Mike, My missus is 5'4" and she had real problems driving my 968 Sport. As SS7 said, the Sport's (i.e. Comfort) seats are very low set in the car - lower than the CS. The Coupe electric seats are very adjustable and would be suitable for your GF - not sure about you. Don't dismiss the Coupe as an option - they are not so different from the CS/Sport in the real world.

[Shed17]

Would definately agree with David about considering a sport or standard coupe in favour of a CS. A lot is written about the CS but in reality other than suspension and brakes there is very little difference. The most important thing to remember is that if the car is still running original equipment it will be knackered and then you will have the extra cost of replacing it. The other thing to bear in mind is that dampers and springs have moved on and the modern alternatives are far better than they were 12 - 15 years ago.

[m1key]

Thanks, I'll bear that in mind and try to look at a coupe as well as a sport and CS. Cheers for the help.

[Paul968]

In case you don't know, the main differences between the Club Sport and the Coupe are:

CS has bucket seats (and no rear seats), lower (and therefore stiffer) suspension and 17 inch wheels (also wider). It doesn't have much in the way of electrics (as standard) but because of this (and the seats + removal of sound deadening) it is somewhat lighter, which helps the handling. It also has a rather nice non-airbag steering wheel.

The Coupe has 16 inch wheels (a fair few have 17 tho), higher and more compliant suspension and all the goodies (electric seats, airbag, etc), which add pounds to the weight.

The Sport is effectively a Club Sport but with normal cloth seats and rear seats + a few electrics (windows, mirrors, boot release, central locking) put back in.

Some cars (mainly club sports) have a sports option (M030) with uprated brakes and adjustable suspension, and most if not all of these also have an LSD (option 020). They are pretty rare and normally command a premium.

The brakes are the same for all 968s except the M030 cars.

The suspension on any 968 may be quite old technology, but is still remarkably effective if not worn out. Apart from M030 they all have the same basic bits, except that the springs are shorter on the CS and Sport.

Good luck in finding the right car for you

Paul

[shoestring7]

One further point; Mrs SS7 (5' 7" can only drive the CS with the aid of cushions..

SS7

[chfs911]

Hi,

I have a CS knocking around somewhere in the garage. I am in Kinross if you want to try but I am 6'2" and I struggle even with the seats in the lowest position minus cushion. My wife uses it as the support vehicle for Spa and the ring. It goes quite well around them too ;O)

There is a yellow 968 coupe for sale in Kinross. Top Car. Check out 968uk.com.

It is standard coupe with CS wheel and Sports seats( adjustable)has all the work done. I can let you have my CS suspension if you want? I am fitting M030 soon.

Charles

[m1key]

Thanks for the info. I might call about the yellow coupe - seems like the best thing will be to try a coupe, sport and a CS and see which fits best (if any!).

[saxmund]

I test drove a Sport and didn't like the seating position - I'm 5'5 and it was just too low and the seat isn't height adjustable. As she is shorter, I doubt how suitable it would be for your GF. I think you can adjust the height of the seats in a Club Sport - but only with a spanner, so not very practical if the two of you will be regularly driving.

(I the end I went for cheaper/more practical/not such a big step up in performance and bought an Alfa 156, but I've promised myself I'll only change it for a Porsche)