Maybe it's just you? :taunt: (joking of course)

Can't say I've ever noticed this. I'm normally too busy paying attention to the road and what the car is doing. I'll keep an eye out for it though... It certainly would be interesting if they were flipping me off and the only thing I've noticed to date are people ignoring me as if I were just normal traffic.

/sarcasm

 

I mentioned it since it took me off guard, and I wondered if this might be somewhat common. I first noticed while riding as a passenger recently, which allowed me to notice things that I would normally miss. Maybe it’s just bad timing. I’ve had many more people come up to comment about how much they liked the car.

 

I really don't get this either. I was sitting in a turning lane at a light with my windows cracked and this guy next to me leans out of his window and yells, "Hey, F&%$ You!!!" while throwing up the synonymous hand gesture. Now I'm always up to meeting new and interesting people, so I roll down my window, smile, and say to him, "hi. I'm sorry, I didn't hear what you said. Say again?" He sat there looking shocked for a second and then just waved and nodded his head as they pulled away.

I've had two other similar situations and I guess it is jealousy but not any I have ever experienced myself. When I see a car that gets my attention it's usually cause I think its cool. And I give a thumbs up or a wave or something. I personally don't look at cars and think, "hey, I think the guy driving that car deserves to have obscenities yelled at him. I'm gonna take it upon my self to berate him in traffic and hope that he's not a stressed out psycho with a gun and no patience."

 

Wow.....that's interesting. I've read in some past postings about how ugly people can be to Porsche drivers in San Francisco. I've had my Cayman called a sissy car, been tailgated by some mo-mo in a Benz, but have not been flipped the birdy here in Texas. Guess people are just getting jealous these days when they see a work of art cruising.....especially in these challenging economic times. Here in Texas, if you just randomly flip someone off, you might get your a$$ pumped full of lead....some of these "cowboys" down here like to keep their pistols exercised. And if their in a pick-up truck, you are so screwed....you might become a new speck of paint on their Ranchhand brush guard! I live in the hill country....so we don't have any problems with exotics....yet. Matter of fact, I've been waved at or flashed with a high-beam while cruising around here in Boerne. I sure as hell wouldn't flip anyone off in the Houston area....your just asking for trouble with a capital T.:crazy:

 

See the red highlights please. I don't mean to sound like a a$$ myself, but it's exactly these types of comments that lead others to "hating" on Porsche owners.

It's obvious to me that you have a disdain for people who get their hands dirty while making an honest living.

Sorry to call you out...

 

I had two drivers pretend to try and hit me with their cars while they drove past me. They kind of jerked their steering wheels toward me when they passed.

It's pathetic that my car can have such an impact on someone's emotions for them to do that.

 

It's pathetic that my car can have such an impact on someone's emotions for them to do that.

It just shows how the Cayman can stir people's emotions

Some folks out there are just small minded and I don't think it is specific to a Porsche that makes people act out, but anything that is different to or beyond what they have (Think clothing, sexuality, looks etc etc).......and do you think for a minute that any of the idiots that flick you off would not want to the car?!

 

I find that if you pass everyone on the road then you never see other drivers.... funny how that works...

 

OK, I’ve had my CS for about a month now and I’ve noticed something interesting. I seen several people “flipping the car off” just for being in a Porsche. These were all situations where we were just driving along without doing anything to bring notice to us. It’s also seen it happen while riding in two other friends Porsches. Actually it was easier to notice while being a passenger.

I was just surprised to see how petty people could be. I feel like most owners on this site are more interested in the car’s performance and handling than in showing off a status sizable. Anyway, am I the only one noticing this?

Interesting. I must have some kind of force field around me or something. In 18,000 miles of Cayman driving, from Germany to France, CT to GA, and even some drive time in a friends Boxster S in LA, I've never been flipped off, never been yelled at, never been disrespected because I'm driving a Porsche, etc..... I've been challenged to a race by Chevy Cobalts, WRXs, Honda Civics, GTI's, and even pickup trucks, but that's a different topic.

I don't get it. It really does make me wonder if maybe you guys are bringing some of this on yourselves.

 

Maybe you also have 'stealth' paint like me

 

OK, I’ve had my CS for about a month now and I’ve noticed something interesting. I seen several people “flipping the car off” just for being in a Porsche.

I bet these people are men. These are usually guys who have inadequacies in other areas, and are acting out. They are afraid they won't be able to seem attractive to women driving a POS car, afraid the guys with the powerful, muscular cars (Cayman owners) are going to attract all the beautiful women, and leave nothing for them. Pure male frustration, plus envy.

 

I get this once in awhile....one time in particular I'm down the street at my local wateringhole which so happens to be local volunteer firehouse that has many hardworking locals. It's a great place, tons of great friends and friendly faces. So one day I pull into the parking lot when this guy I didn't recognized comes out to get into his truck, he says under his breath....
"that car doesn't belong here."
"excuse me?"
"You heard me, that car and people like you don't belong here"
and I was about to say something else but decided I would rather have my car looking exactly like I left it if you know what I mean.

Some people just cannot more past the decisions they have made in life and like just like to blame others for their misfortune. Rarely does the mindset of you earned it through hardwork come into play. It's a jealously thing and it's a simple fact - preconditional judgement does exist.

 

All the comments I've received about my Cayman have been positive, with people complimenting me or giving me a thumbs up. Maybe people's attitudes are different in other parts of the country...?

 

Good points made by Ken, Gator Bite, and pc12driver.

Been a Porsche driver of various types for over 15 years, and while I have come across a few jerks, I usually refrain from any sort of acknowledgement of such behavior,.....quickly putting the offenders in my rear view mirror.

However I do believe that owning a Cayman can make you act like a jerk even though it was not intended. The car has such great performance and capabilities that you quickly find yourself doing things you may have not done in an "ordinary" car. I'm willing to bet that for just about everyone here the moves you make and the driving attitute you take will be a bit different in the Cayman vs. another car. You might not see it, but it's there.

I consider myself a sport or very confident type of driver as I don't like putting my life or car in someone elses hands, so I will often take a more assertive driving stance which probably results in certain drivers thinking I'm a Porsche jerk or something. Usually those drivers are ones that are barely able to drive, let alone with confidence. (or maybe I'm thinking like a jerk here! )

Sometimes when driving with the wife I will ask her......"was that a jerk move?", and in her opinion I do have a few more of them in the CS compared to our other vehicles. Oh well, I didn't buy the CS to be nice all the time.

 

However I do believe that owning a Cayman can make you act like a jerk even though it was not intended. The car has such great performance and capabilities that you quickly find yourself doing things you may have not done in an "ordinary" car. I'm willing to bet that for just about everyone here the moves you make and the driving attitute you take will be a bit different in the Cayman vs. another car. You might not see it, but it's there.

I think this is a fair assertion. The Cayman handles so much better than other automobiles, I find myself doing maneuvers in traffic that I might not have considered in the past.

That being said, I have not had anyone make any rude gestures at me so far (that I noticed). I have been challenged to race and a couple of guys wanted me to take off on an exit ramp when they waved me on. People stop and stare at the car all the time or ask me what is. The whole "Porsche" thing is still pretty novel to me.

 

Only compliments and thumbs up here in Chicagoland

 

Take it as a compliment

 

I don't think WE bring this behavior on. It is the car and what it stands for...is what makes other people envy us hard-working folks that succeeded one of our goals in life...owning the very best sports car (a Porsche!). It's just amazing sometimes what a car can do for someones' image. Heck, I ain't rich by any means...I just busted my A$$ (and still do!) to have the things in my life....and I ain't finished either (jealous in-laws!). When I'm driving my old 250,000+ 90' Volvo 740GL to and from work, people don't give it a second look...matter of fact, some will look and laugh, which is fine with me! It's paid for and I'm damn proud of it! Same thing with my ******* Crew-Cab pickup and my Old Bronco. Oh, but when I take Sally out, it's a different story. At this early in the game, I'm concentrating on what's ahead of me. But when I'm at a stand-still, sure I notice people staring and yes, sometimes you can see envy in peoples eyes. It's just pure jealousy, that's all. What these finger flipping people, accident causing folks should realize is that one day, the "other-guy" might not be a friendly person, chase them down, and hopefully not wipe them out with a pistolee, their vehicle, or their fists. People are very bold these days......and very STUPID. You can thank Hollywood and some game makers for this kind of behavior.
I know it's harder said than done, but I think us proud Cayman driver's should laugh at this type of behavior (as one member told me on an early post)....and wave. This will really piss them off since your not stooping yourself down to their childish' behavior....
IDIOT...would be a perfect description for these A$$ Clowns!!!!

 

When I read threads like this, I always look at where the poster is from. I wonder what part of California you live in ... In SF and LA/OC, Porsche's are a dime a dozen along side Astons, Lambos etc. I work in Century city, and in west LA, you can't throw a rock without hitting a german or italian car that costs more than my annual salary.

Most people get more reaction if they're driving the latest trendy hybrid or a Smart car, than a high performance european sports car ...

 

Everyone, thanks for the replys:thanks:. I’m glad to hear that this isn’t isolated to just me. I really don’t think this will be common, but it made me take note. For those that thought that I might have brought this on myself with “Aggressive Driving,” rest assured that every time I noticed this I/we were driving calmly with traffic. I really try not to bring attention to myself. I don’t use the horn unless I absolutely need to and I don’t fight over parking spaces. It’s also a racing yellow car, so it attracts enough attention just sitting still. The last thing I want is to give the CHP a reason to stop me. California is broke and the cops are looking for revenue. I save most of my aggressions for the track.
I do live in SoCal, but in the Inland Empire. Porsches are not common and you’re more likely to see a lower Civic.
It’s just sad to see people acting this way. Thanks for all the feedback!
:thanks:

 

...It’s also a racing yellow car...

I think part of the reaction you are receiving, ATCJDS, is specifically because you have this color. Even standing still, you are shouting to everyone "Look at me. Look what I'm driving."

I get glares (and some really, really puzzled looks) when I am driving my 1975 914. It is Signal Orange, so even though I can't drive it aggressively (90 hp 1.8 l !), it stands out.

 

I just don't buy it. After owning these beauties since 1965 the ONLY time I've witnessed any abuse is after some Porsche owner made an idiot of themselves usually when they had their head on a "look at me" swivel or were driving stupid. Granted there are more horse's ***'s than horses and that is true with Porsche owners as well and all of us get painted with the bad behavior of those that buy the car for the ego they think it brings. True is respect the other guy and leave the ego at home.

By the way this topic has come up several times and I believe it was started every time by first time Porsche owners which has to say something about personal behavior and not the car and others.

 

I just don't buy it. After owning these beauties since 1965 the ONLY time I've witnessed any abuse is after some Porsche owner made an idiot of themselves usually when they had their head on a "look at me" swivel or were driving stupid. Granted there are more horse's ***'s than horses and that is true with Porsche owners as well and all of us get painted with the bad behavior of those that buy the car for the ego they think it brings. True is respect the other guy and leave the ego at home.

I think it's one of those things where it happens to some people, and others it doesn't. While I'm sure some Porsche drivers deserve the bird just like any other car does when it's driver do something stupid, unwarranted gestures do occur. In my 5 months of Cayman ownership I was cursed at twice, UNWARRANTED, and heckled at a stop light once. People can be idiots. I think being young and driving a nice Porsche, like myself, increases the probability of being harassed heckled for no reason other than you're young in a nice car and some idiot doesn't think you deserve it because they have no clue about your real life situation.

 

Really do doubt that given my 44 years of Porsche ownership and observation of Porsche owners. I really wish that new owners could get a video of the way they look around to see who is looking at them and their new Porsche. That ego that Porsche drivers don't know they are projecting irritates the hell out of people. Me included. It isn't the car it is almost always the owner/lessor or infrequently the previous Porsche driver someone observed.

Experiences related here about perceived abuse just confirm the ego needs to me.

 

Agree with that last comment. Probably should be inscribed on a pyramid or maybe in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

 

All I can say is that I get positive, flattering comments all the time. And sometimes that happens when I'm with the CS.:taunt:

 

Like the majority who've posted all I have had is positives, but then living here in Dubai there are plenty of sports, exotic and luxury cars so attention is normally a combination of young(ish) guy and nice car in my case.

Although it is not my experience in the CS I still think that in certain areas you can find people who act out for no reason without provocation.....just think back to your school days and you'll find some guys have still not grown up and act the same way as they did then.

 

I agree with Mr. Bite. I think reactions are driven mostly by your driving style. If you drive courteously and are not showing up others, you should rarely get any negativity.

I live in Colorado, and the people who tend to try and race me are Evos, STIs and those huge Pickup trucks with the large engines. I let them win by ignoring them or just waving and smiling when they try to get my attention.

Kids really love the car.

 

I'm not sure it is fair to say that if/when a first time Porsche owner gets negative attention, it is probably something they did to tick the other person off that they may not have even been aware of. Truth is, we encounter many strangers during the day, and luckily, most are going to be pretty much normal. But, there are folks walking around out there who would just as soon look at you as kill you, even if they project a normal facade. Thankfully there aren't that many, but they are there. Also, and particularly in this economy, there are a lot of angry folks out there because they are in a very bad spot at the moment, and the sight of somebody who might be doing well just ellicits intense anger in them, and they react without thinking. It is similar to fans on the loosing end of a football game who walk around after the game just looking for somebody to look at them the wrong way so they can act aggressively toward them. I am a mental health professional who works with severely emotionally distraught individuals so I feel I know something of what I'm talking about. You never know who you are going to encounter in life and how they will react. We shouldn't assume that the first time Porsche owner brought it upon themselves.

 

Where I live there can't be more than 10-12 PCars in town, just guessing. But every single time I venture out, there it is, the almighty 1 finger salute. Azzhole, and a slew of unkind words /gestures tossed my way. I don't drive like a idiot, don't look for any kind of trouble but it's there. I am a first time owner as well, no Linda Blair moves while stopped in traffic either, don't get it. Must be total jealously is all I can say.

If only my wife would only listen to me and get her drivers licence, the cussing might stop and things might not be so bad for her when I'm rollin out the driveway time after time, weather permitting....so far only one hater have I encountered, but hey, she still likes me..

As far as the rest of the world goes, nothin but full compliments and questions, all good.

And the little gal loves it too, just being a smart azz, but she really dosen't have a licence, whoooo hooo.....

 

LOL. At least your wife doesn't throw feces at you when you leave....ummm...does she?

 

It's foolish to accuse the driver and assume they are "asking for it."

Both times people have messed with me on the road all I was doing was driving normally.

The environment has all to do with it. If you live in a big city, or driving through a club street downtown, or through a college campus, chances increase that people will hate on you. Some of you guys are in the suburbs and boondocks, of course nothing happens out there. Get over yourselves.