Tall Guys and Little Cars Mean Choices

"Reed Arvin" (farfignewman)
09/10/2015 at 15:05 • Filed to: porsche, Boxster GTS, Lane Auto Museum, Tall guys little cars

I’m tall - 6’5. I formerly played basketball, until I was diagnosed with a crippling disease that limits ability: white man’s disease. No cure, although that chick in California who “identified” as black gave it a nice try. Anyway, I’m tall enough that lots of cars are simply never going to happen. Great cars. Cars like almost everything mid-engine (seats won’t recline enough), and just think about that list and you get my pain. Cars like this Lotus Europa, to which Mr. Chapman added lightness, but not heightness . This was me, 2 nights ago at a Porsche club meeting held at the groovy Lane Auto Museum in Nashville. Butt on floor , head still above the roof line - without a helmet. Oh, yeah - helmets suck for tall guys. They take away many of the few remaining options. The result is that sometimes, you have to make choices between driving something amazing and basic human dignity. Here, I’m making the Oppo choice (Dignity? Is that an autocross track I see?) The car was 1 of the 1st Boxster GTS in North America, and it is, indeed, amazing. So, I folded my torso into that sucker, let my head make a significant dent in the soft top, and floored it. And drove right through the 1st set of cones, because I didn’t see them, because only then I discovered I could not turn my head.

Still glad I drove it.

DISCUSSION (68)

Party-vi > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:08

Kinja'd!!!

I would pay money to see you fold yourself into one of these, but only if you can keep your knees from sticking out the windows.

Reed Arvin > Party-vi
09/10/2015 at 15:10

Yeah - the picture of me getting in was actually less dignified than the picture you see!

Captain of the Enterprise > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:14

6’3” with a tall torso and I feel your pain, I can’t imagine how hard it would be to find a car if I was 2” taller.

For Sweden > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:14

I hear Corvettes are popular among those stricken white the White plague

Master Cylinder > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:15

I’m only 6’3” but I feel your pain somewhat. I fit comfortably in my 944, but I couldn’t drive my dad’s Boxster for more than 30 minutes without cramping up. I basically look over the windshield in a Miata. Trying to get in and out of an FSAE car was an act of contortionism.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:15

Dude, be glad you aren’t 6’10”. I love my outback, but if I were a few inches shorter, I’d be driving a WRX or BRZ.

wiffleballtony > For Sweden
09/10/2015 at 15:16

I’m the same height as the OP and my legs were too long for a C6.

wiffleballtony > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:16

I too feel your pain as we are the same height.

Nerd-Vol > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:17

Kinja'd!!!

As a tall guy I can sympathize. So much of it comes down to proportions and body type. I’m 6’5” with a 37” inseam and weigh in at 210 or so. I fit into my adjusted Miata nicely. Not the same with an rx7.

Each car is different and each tall person is as well. The tough part is finding the right fit.

Reed Arvin > Master Cylinder
09/10/2015 at 15:17

Interesting, as an 83 944 was my 1st new car, and 1st Porsche. It, of course, was an Audi - and the last Porsche I could truly comfortably drive until the 997 911.

WiscoProud > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:17

I'm in the same boat, 6'5". What cars have you found that actually work?

For Sweden > wiffleballtony
09/10/2015 at 15:19

well get a saw

Fl1ngstam > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:20

I’m only 6’ 2”, but I struggle sometimes. The S1 Lotus Elise with it’s hood up is a challenge, as even my knee to heel length is longer than the space between the hood and the sill.

I can clamber in and out of many cars (never tried a Lotus Europa, but as the entire car only comes up to my waist, it’s not likely to work).

The worst one I tried was a rally Alpine A110. It’s a tiny car anyway, and this one had a roll cage fitted. No matter how I entered the car, I couldn’t find a way to get into the driver’s seat. I could crawl through the car and out the other side, but the length of my limbs completely prevented me from working a way into a driving position.

Kinja'd!!!

The Lancia Stratos was fine, though...

Reed Arvin > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
09/10/2015 at 15:21

Just recalled that Shaq had a Ferrari 360 modified so he could drive it, if you can call whatever happens when someone 7 feet tall crams into that model driving. Just imagine his feet on those pedals.

Highlander-Datsuns are Forever > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:21

At 6’4” I will never be able to experience MIATA, which I here is amost as good as Nirvana. I can however drive Datsun Z’s and my Mazda 3, so that counts as something.

Reed Arvin > Master Cylinder
09/10/2015 at 15:23

944 was my 1st new car - wrote a post about it. But of course it was actually an Audi - and the last Porsche I could truly comfortably drive until the 997. Headroom went way up for that model, and in my Panamera, I could wear a hat.

Reed Arvin > Fl1ngstam
09/10/2015 at 15:26

much jealousy that your drove - or wrangled, or didn’t crash - a Stratos. Major poster car for me when younger.

ttyymmnn > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:27

Kinja'd!!!

Have you tried a Rabbit?

Reed Arvin > WiscoProud
09/10/2015 at 15:28

It’s getting better. Even the new Boxster is much better, and doable for short drives. BMW Z4 is out - not even close. Lots of cars are fairly comfortable, but then you think about your motion in a crash, and you go - no. For me, the best sports car for tall guys right now is the 997 911. The worst is the new Jag F type, which I literally - no kidding - can’t even get into. The dealer told me he’s losing lots of sales over this.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:30

I’m not amazingly tall (6’2”ish) - but I have a brother who’s 6’5”+. I made sure he could fit in my project car before deciding I had the seat setup “good enough”. He drives an Astro and used to drive a Volvo 240 - some cars just don’t work.

Reed Arvin > ttyymmnn
09/10/2015 at 15:30

Yes! I owned a Gen I GTI. Rabbits are great for tall guys.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:31

You might be surprised at the headroom in the AW11 MR2. People usually are.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:32

I can’t imagine how he manages to drive it. I have size 17’s, and on more than one occasion, I have accidentally pressed both the gas and the brake with one foot. I can’t imagine trying to deal with pedals with size 22’s.

WiscoProud > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:32

I saw there was a center console mod for the early boxsters that supposedly gave more legroom, but I have no idea if it would be enough. I’ve heard that the 911s of most generations were pretty accommodating to tall people, its just a shame their prices are going crazy.

For a minute I was considering the Z3, then one drove by me slowly when I was walking, and I realized there was literally no way I would fit in it.

StingrayJake > For Sweden
09/10/2015 at 15:32

Corvette — Fitting big... AND average height... Americans since 1953.

ttyymmnn > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:33

I’m only just 6’, and have been a VW driver all my life. My first drive was an ‘82 Rabbit. They may be good for tall people, but shorter folks can have a time of it. You’ve really got to have longish arms and legs to fit right.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:40

Right there with you, man. Luckily a lot of those little cars have removable roofs so the head doesn’t hit the ceiling all the time.

I’m 6’3” and about 320 lbs so it’s difficult for me to fit into anything remotely small. Yet I’m working in an auto shop where I have to drive cars all the time. The Miatae and S2000s aren’t so bad.

But a Gallardo was simply far too small:

Kinja'd!!!

That’s my head sticking several inches above the roof.

My wife bought me a Gotham Dream Car Sprint last year and I got to drive that and a Ferrari F430.

The F430 was much more accommodating.

Kinja'd!!!

Scuderia Fat and Hairy...

Patrick Nichols > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:40

Ummmm... I’m pretty sure that is a boxster

Reed Arvin > Patrick Nichols
09/10/2015 at 15:41

Yep. this is what happens when you type after 3 iced teas at Panera.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:42

I found the 996 to be really big inside.

Reed Arvin > Patrick Nichols
09/10/2015 at 15:42

Thanks for that - fixed it.

MPA > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:45

Sometimes I wish I was taller. But at 5’6”, every car fits me :) Miatas are quite comfy.

Patrick Nichols > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:47

No problem it’s just me being pedantic and a little jealous (though not of your height issues, I’m just fine staying at 6’3”)

deekster_caddy > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:52

People gave me some crap for modding my ‘98 Riviera, but one thing about it I loved - I FIT in the damn thing, and it was comfortable. So, I took that and made it faster and handle better and screw the ‘old people car’ jokes.

I also have a ‘54 MG and the first question people ask is “How do you fit in it?” (hint - it has low seats, long leg area, and no roof most of the time)

Jonee > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:54

Believe it or not, I used to drive my 6’4” roommate around in my Subaru 360. Getting in wasn’t easy, but once he was in, he fit. Getting out was like watching the car give birth.

AfromanGTO > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:55

I have the same problem you do, but I’m only 6’2. I drove a few Miatas, and I hated the fact that the top of the windshield is eye level, and my fro is in the wind. The one Miata I fit perfectly in was my buddies 92 that he removed the drivers seat. It was extremely comfortable with the seat removed, and I could see out of the windshield.

Reed Arvin > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection
09/10/2015 at 15:56

I’d say keep that wife, brother.

Reed Arvin > AfromanGTO
09/10/2015 at 15:57

indeed - “fitting” in, and knowing that your forehead will impale itself on the top of the windscreen, are 2 different things. I mean, I trust the belts and all, but . . .

Fl1ngstam > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 15:57

Oh no, I just sat in one. It was a museum of rally cars (and BTCC, and a Porsche 959). I didn’t drive anything, but I sat in a few and made the appropriate noises.

Reed Arvin > Fl1ngstam
09/10/2015 at 16:00

still - I’ve never even SEEN a Stratos IRL. So . . .

WhiskeyGolf > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:00

I’m 6’4” with a tall torso and I seem to have stumbled into one of the very few cars I fit comfortably in even with a helmet. I have to drop the seat to the floor, but my Golf provides a lot more space than the other cars I’ve driven, like my dad’s 3 series. It must have been those European 99th percentile drivers used for ergonomics testing...

Reed Arvin > WhiskeyGolf
09/10/2015 at 16:02

Yeah - the golf’s been mentioned in these replies. Much headroom, much fun.

ttyymmnn > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:06

I just re-read your headline and inserted a mental comma that actually makes sense:

Tall Guys and Little Cars, Mean Choices.

Klaus Schmoll > Nerd-Vol
09/10/2015 at 16:08

What adjustments did you do? I’m the same height and once sat in an NB and sadly realized that it was never going to happen.

Fl1ngstam > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:10

Here’s one! As you can tell, I’m taller than Bjorn Waldegard... I wouldn’t have fitted in wearing a helmet, but it has helmet holders in the doors:

Kinja'd!!!

I also found a photo of the A110. The guy in there is about 5’ 5”

Kinja'd!!!

Wurrwulf > Captain of the Enterprise
09/10/2015 at 16:12

Yeah, I’m 6’4” with a long torso and short arms. I’ve never had a car with a telescopic steering wheel, so I’m always the guy with his knees 1/4” away from the dash. Amazingly, the sports car that I’ve fit best in was a first generation RX-7. The cockpit is laid back enough that my head had plenty of clearance, yet I could still comfortably reach the pedals and shifter.

Nerd-Vol > Klaus Schmoll
09/10/2015 at 16:27

The biggest modification I did was removing a fair amount of seat foam from the bottom and back of the seat. That alone bought me an extra inch or two of leg room. Also lowered me down as well.

After that I bought a wider gas pedal, for easy heel toe action. I replaced the door handles with straps, removed the sun visors, and repositioned the parking brake so it doesn’t point towards the driver.

When I drive, I usually do so only with socks on and I pull the wallet out of my back pocket. It’s cozy but comfortable. That said running errands can be a hassle as you essentially have to dress and undress as you get out or into the car.

Still the best purchase I've ever made.

wiffleballtony > For Sweden
09/10/2015 at 16:32

That’s kind of a short term temporary solution. Plus how will I operate the pedals, or see? Depending on which side we cut on, the problem changes.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:35

...unless they’re a Rabbit pickup. The seat loses several inches in backward room, which made me (32” inseam) always have to drive mine kind of yoga-style.

Nobi > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:38

You could always do like Shaq did. He didn’t fit into a Lamborghini Murcielago(I think), so he had it stretched so he could. Granted, you’d be basically laying down if you did this to a Europa, but still, if there’s a will...

Reed Arvin > Nobi
09/10/2015 at 16:46

Not to call the Whambulance, but Murcielago is out of my tax bracket. But yeah, where there’s a will.

Nobi > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:49

Was just using it as a reference. With enough tools, expertise, and most importantly money, it can happen.

Anon > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 16:57

This is why I like being 5’11”, I’m not short, I’m not tall, but I sure as hell can fit into almost any car ever made!

Tapas > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 17:05

Convertibles and targa tops would be the way to go, I guess...

About the Boxster, were you not allowed to complete the course with the top down?

punkgoose17 > Fl1ngstam
09/10/2015 at 17:24

For size reference purposes is that a Nissan/Datsun 510 2 door sedan behind the Alpine?

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 17:40

I was planning on writing an article similar to this. I’m 6’7” and play basketball, but I still love cars. I fit fine in a surprising amount of small cars now, but I’m young and still growing, so I’m extremely concerned about fitting in cars in the future (I’ll likely break 6’10” eventually). It's always sad knowing I'll never even fit in some of my favorite cars, but I know I'll make something work so that I can still drive fun cars.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Nerd-Vol
09/10/2015 at 17:42

Also tall, and I've always wanted to get an NA and adjust it so that I can drive it.

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
09/10/2015 at 17:44

Outbacks and Foresters have a ton of interior space for their size.

Fl1ngstam > punkgoose17
09/10/2015 at 17:50

No, that’s a mk1 Ford Lotus Cortina. Probably similar in size to a 510, although an older design.

Montalvo > For Sweden
09/10/2015 at 17:52

Not happening, especially now in a C7. Family friend wanted to pick up the new Z06 but was too tall so he bought a Camaro Z28 instead.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 17:54

Being 6’4” I get really annoyed at how few cars I fit in. The Miata is totally out as a car I could ever drive without modification. I do fit quite comfortably in a BRZ, 500 Abarth, and Fiesta ST though. I juuust barely fit in my E36 sedan and probably wouldn’t if it was a coupe. Hell, my head even rubs on the roof in the front of my mom’s Fusion because of the sunroof. Finding a car I fit in the back of is near impossible.

Reed Arvin > Tapas
09/10/2015 at 18:10

Nope - no time to adjust with a line of folks. I actually fit somewhat in the new Boxster, but not with the helmet.

Reed Arvin > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
09/10/2015 at 18:13

It's getting better. More cars are getting the message. But the classics . . .

Van Man, rocks the Man Van > Reed Arvin
09/10/2015 at 18:22

Luckily, yes. However, I’m still generally only going to fit in trucks, SUVs, and occasionally some coupes and sedans.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Van Man, rocks the Man Van
09/10/2015 at 19:26

Exactly the reason why I bought it. It is huge inside.

Tapas > Reed Arvin
09/11/2015 at 01:35

Thats too bad.

Do you fit in a Cayman?

Reed Arvin > Tapas
09/11/2015 at 10:20

Essentially the same dimensions, just a hardtop. Short trios only.

Tapas > Reed Arvin
09/11/2015 at 11:57

I see.

I wondered if the Cayman was roomier. I guess not...

Then again, I’m on the shorter side of the spectrum. So I have the opposite problem.

I need the seat high and forward, as much as I can get it without impaling my gut on the steering wheel. Usually, the seat ends up at an angle thats trying to tip me out of the seat lol