Both are part of Porsche’s DNA, but which is more important to you?
PULLING POWER
Peter: Unless you buy a Porsche to use on a track, what’s the point? There’s nowhere to use the speed you gain from less weight. Give me looks, comfort and sound any time. And yes,
I do own a Porsche.
Sue: I can appreciate the virtues of a lightweight car in the corners but for me nothing can replace the sensation of planting your right foot and unleashing everything on a straight bit of road.
James: The two are, ultimately, inseparable. Lightness is key to a sports car but is nothing without power. One depends on the other, or compensates for it. I prefer to know there’s plenty of power on tap, though.
Frank: A light car is great in the corners, but sometimes you need that extra poke to
do a quick overtake or just to cruise in a relaxed manner. We need both and few manufacturers offer both like Porsche!
Dave: More power is always better...
LIGHT WORK
Mat: Less is very much more. Adding weight, power and complexity does not equate to more fun. With advancements in modern tyres, the sweet spot is somewhere between 200bhp and 250bhp per tonne and in sports car between 800kg and 1250kg.
Martin: Lightweight, as Porsche intended, to balance power with handling characteristics. Adding options to modern cars is great for comfort and everyday pleasure but does nothing for overall handling, balance and performance, e.g. fitting a heavy sunroof at the highest point of a 911.
Sean: As Colin Chapman said: “Adding power makes you faster on the straights; subtracting weight makes you faster everywhere.”
Ian: American muscle has never handled or braked as well as a good lightweight European sports car.
Ryky: Power is fun, but lightweight makes a car dance.
75% / 25% split in favour of lighter weight
What’s the verdict?
The split was pretty definitive this month, with a hefty majority coming firmly down on the side of less is more when it comes to all-important handling. But many of you argued for the perfect balance between the two.
Next month: Halo models – which do you choose? GT3 or Turbo? Visit our Facebook Page or Instagram Account for your chance to contribute.