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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ 914 vs Miata
Posted by: jd66921 Mar 13 2006, 08:14 PM
I have always had sports cars. My first car was a rolled over Austin Healey 3000. Then I had a
(new) Porsche 914 for many years. After a short, stupid break, I had a couple of RX-7's.
Now I am older (too old!), but my memories of the 914 make me want to buy another one.
Prices are not very high, butI am not sure I have the skills (welding mostly), strength,
or patience any more to keep one running. It seems like my choices are that or a Miata.
So, my question is, how does a 914 compared to a Miata, drivingwise? Are they comparable,
or very different? I loved the Porsche, but couldn't keep it running, especially
living in apartments. I want to enjoy that feeling again
Posted by: Krieger914 Mar 13 2006, 08:17 PM
Isn't a miata a thought of as a chicks car?
Posted by: balljoint Mar 13 2006, 08:20 PM
| QUOTE (Krieger914 @ Mar 13 2006, 10:17 PM) |
| Isn't a miata a thought of as a chicks car? |
Wasn't a 914 thought of as a chick's car?
Posted by: Headrage Mar 13 2006, 08:25 PM
If you spend the same amount of money on a 914 as you would on a Miata you shouldn't have to do any welding or other rust repairs.
Posted by: jd66921 Mar 13 2006, 08:26 PM
No, I'm talking used here, not new!!
Posted by: Headrage Mar 13 2006, 08:30 PM
| QUOTE (jd66921 @ Mar 13 2006, 06:26 PM) |
| No, I'm talking used here, not new!! |
Me too...
Posted by: lapuwali Mar 13 2006, 08:42 PM
Two 914s, one '99 Miata, drove several '90 Miatas.
The earliest Miatas are roughly in the same price bracket as a decent starter 914 ($3-5K). The early 1.6 Miatas are really torqueless cars with pretty unsatisfying engines, IMHO. The 1.8s were a lot better. By this time, most early Miatas need their suspensions rebuilt. The engines are strong and pretty easy to work on. I always hated the power steering on the early cars, as they made the steering way too light, and the ratio was so quick it was unnerving. The 914 has much better weighted steering. The '99 Miata is also nicer.
In terms of handling, throw about the same amount of money at either car's suspension and you'll find them pretty close to equal. As you find them today, they'll be pretty random, depending on how recently they were rebuilt. I'd still give the edge to the 914, once it was all sorted.
The later Miatas got stiffer, and lots more power. By '99, they were pretty damned fast. This is fairly serious money, though. A '99 Miata is in the $8-10K bracket, and an $8K-10K 914 would be a very, very nice car.
Day to day, the Miata has a lot less storage room than a 914. It's noisier, even with the top up. The Miata has lots of cowl shake over rough roads, even the later, stiffer cars.
If you're taller than 5'10", the Miata is likely to be a snug fit. My wife, who's 6', could just barely drive my '99 Miata.
I sold my Miata and bought a second 914...
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Mar 13 2006, 08:54 PM
The Miata is ass light, you start into a drift and the tail wants to come around. The 914, with the mid-engine configuration will stay in a drift with alot less convincing. But this is my observation from experiance.
Posted by: Brett W Mar 13 2006, 08:59 PM
Miata prices have goine through the roof since the SCCA nationalized the spec miata class.
Thought the Miata was a gay car? 
Posted by: Rrrockhound Mar 13 2006, 09:09 PM
| QUOTE (Brett W @ Mar 13 2006, 09:59 PM) |
| Miata prices have goine through the roof since the SCCA nationalized the spec miata class. Thought the Miata was a gay car? |
Gay car, chick car...come on people, can't we just enjoy the cars we like, ignore the ones we don't, and stop labeling every godd**m thing.
Posted by: lapuwali Mar 13 2006, 09:09 PM
| QUOTE (So.Cal.914 @ Mar 13 2006, 06:54 PM) |
| The Miata is ass light, you start into a drift and the tail wants to come around. The 914, with the mid-engine configuration will stay in a drift with alot less convincing. But this is my observation from experiance. |
Miatas (esp. early ones) have some roll oversteer, but the phenomenon you mention is mostly caused by the fact that the Miata has a significantly shorter wheelbase than the 914. "Ass light" means "nose heavy", and that usually makes a car push, not spin. A car that's "ass heavy" will tend to want to spin, as anyone who's driven an early 911 hard will tell you.
Miatas (esp. early ones) will push very badly in slow turns unless you drive around the problem by deliberately getting the tail out with the brakes. In fast turns, the tail will often drift out a bit thanks to that roll oversteer, but it's very mild, and easily caught.
I've gotten into a lot more trouble overdriving a 914 than a Miata, but neither car is all that vicious. An early MR2, for example, is far worse.
Posted by: jr91472 Mar 13 2006, 09:12 PM
Where in Texas are you?
Posted by: anthony Mar 13 2006, 09:15 PM
| QUOTE (jd66921 @ Mar 13 2006, 07:14 PM) |
| Prices are not very high, but I am not sure I have the skills (welding mostly), strength, or patience any more to keep one running. It seems like my choices are that or a Miata. |
Mostly everything is better on a Miata - newer, more reliable, more power, etc.
A 914 however is a unique vintage car experience. Just spend some cash and buy a nice one and drive it. Fuch welding! There's no reason to buy a fixer if that is not your thing.
Posted by: iamchappy Mar 13 2006, 09:19 PM
Miata's aren't cool, 914's are....
Posted by: J P Stein Mar 13 2006, 09:30 PM
The Miata is a great little car. THE only thing wrong wth them is ....there are too many of them. Complete strangers won't walk up and say "Nice Miata, I haven't seen one that nice for 20 years. I remember when I was a kid.....yada,yada"
Posted by: root Mar 13 2006, 09:34 PM
A 914 is aircooled not watercooled.
A 914 has a targa top not a rag top.
A 914 is midengined (47/53) not front engined.
A 914 engine has push rods and a timing gear not a rubber belt.
A 914 has analog fuel injection not digital.
A 914 has torsion bars in the front not springs.
A 914 is unique!
Posted by: Brett W Mar 13 2006, 09:49 PM
Miatas have no soul. They are very japanese though. Reliable and very modifiable. They can be brutal competitors.
One of the greatest things about the Miata, NO RUST. Nothing like E-coated bodies.
Posted by: Porcharu Mar 13 2006, 09:59 PM
| QUOTE (Krieger914 @ Mar 13 2006, 06:17 PM) |
| Isn't a miata a thought of as a chicks car? |
Chicks car is a white VW cab - I'm a little embarassed everytime I drive my wifes car, it is faster than my POS Volvo.
Posted by: Porcharu Mar 13 2006, 10:10 PM
| QUOTE (root @ Mar 13 2006, 07:34 PM) |
| |
A 914 is aircooled not watercooled. - Everything is aircooled (oil-cooled)
A 914 has a targa top not a rag top.- Neutral
A 914 is midengined (47/53) not front engined. - The Miata is very close to that.
A 914 engine has push rods and a timing gear not a rubber belt. - Since when have push rods been a good thing?
A 914 has analog fuel injection not digital. - Analog FI sucks, normally it just doesn't work. I love analog stuff but this is one place where digital rules. CD's suck LP's rule!
A 914 has torsion bars in the front not springs. Torsion bars are springs - coils are much easier to work with.
A 914 is unique! - YES and very fun to drive.
The Miata is a freak in todays big ass heavy front wheel drive pig world.
Posted by: jimtab Mar 13 2006, 11:21 PM
Well I have a '73 2.0 and my wife has a 95 Miata. I don't think there is much comparison...apples and oranges...the 914 handles better and is cooler and has WAY more room inside and trunks. The Miata is an appliance, it doesn't screw up and when it gets up on the cam, it scoots pretty well, but more like an old British roadster than our little flat car. And no matter what the rest say, the 914 is a Porsche.
Posted by: shaggy Mar 13 2006, 11:51 PM
| QUOTE |
| A 914 is midengined (47/53)... |
really 47:53?
ive heard better than that in a review thing i have form the 70's or so...
they claim 51:49!
so what is it?
and
miata's are evil.(especially the new ones with those damn fender flares
)914's aren't.
Posted by: Andyrew Mar 14 2006, 12:41 AM
You cant chop up a miata like you can a 914
Though Im contemplating doing so for a daily thrasher (primer black, flares, black wheels... exhaust cutouts, s2k engine/turbo... hmmm)
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Mar 14 2006, 02:25 AM
The Miata I drove reminded me of my 67 Mustang fastback as soon as the rear tires got loose, with no weight to keep them down the rearend would swing around. I didn't make it I just drove it, I don't have anything against them but when I canyon run I want something that will keep me on the road.
Posted by: So.Cal.914 Mar 14 2006, 02:36 AM
The Miata I drove reminded me of my 67 Mustang fastback. As soon as the tires in the rear broke loose without the weight to keep traction, the rearend came around. I just drove it, I didn't design it. Now I have nothing against them, but when I canyon run I want a car that is going to keep me on the road. That just happens to be a mid-engine Porsche.
Posted by: mrobin Mar 14 2006, 05:16 AM
i've owned both of them and like everyone is saying, miata is a dime a dozen car.
one thing hasn't been brought up.........shifting...
the miata gearbox/shifting is really great..
Posted by: pfierb Mar 14 2006, 05:22 AM
| QUOTE (J P Stein @ Mar 13 2006, 11:30 PM) |
| The Miata is a great little car. THE only thing wrong wth them is ....there are too many of them. Complete strangers won't walk up and say "Nice Miata, I haven't seen one that nice for 20 years. I remember when I was a kid.....yada,yada" |
You are so right I have owned at one time or another 1 e-type Jaguar, 4 Alfa spiders, 3 Porsches, 3 Fiats, 1 Mustang GT,1 Sunbeam Alpine aside from maybe the Jaguar none has had the wow factor that this 73 914 has....can't stop for gas without some one running over and asking about the cool car.....Also it is more fun to drive and own than any of the above,warts and all.
Paul F.
Oh yes I forgot the 1949 Ford V-8 Coupe with duals and Smitty mufflers boy did that car sound great going from 0 to 60 in 15 seconds.
Posted by: Vacca Rabite Mar 14 2006, 06:55 AM
Ask a 914 board about the 2 and the responces are going to be a little baised...
Get what will make you happy.
Zach
Posted by: grantsfo Mar 14 2006, 08:54 AM
| QUOTE (J P Stein @ Mar 13 2006, 07:30 PM) |
| The Miata is a great little car. THE only thing wrong wth them is ....there are too many of them. Complete strangers won't walk up and say "Nice Miata, I haven't seen one that nice for 20 years. I remember when I was a kid.....yada,yada" |
I have to admit I have more complete strangers stop me and say is that the new Miata? Than stop me in the 914. But I guess the new MX5 is a more rare car than the 914 and previous generation Miatas currently.
Posted by: balljoint Mar 14 2006, 09:13 AM
Maybe for you in California. But on the rest of the planet the 914 is rarely seen. In my case, over the 10 years that I have owned one, and other than in repair shops etc., I have seen only 4 914's on the road. Seen more Deloreans, Ferrari's, Lamboreghini's, Camry's, etc. by a large margin.
Posted by: pfierb Mar 14 2006, 09:22 AM
| QUOTE (balljoint @ Mar 14 2006, 11:13 AM) |
| Maybe for you in California. But on the rest of the planet the 914 is rarely seen. In my case, over the 10 years that I have owned one, and other than in repair shops etc., I have seen only 4 914's on the road. Seen more Deloreans, Ferrari's, Lamboreghini's, Camry's, etc. by a large margin. |
Maybe that is one of the reasons 914s have the wow factor
Posted by: Jeff Nelson Mar 14 2006, 10:20 AM
FWIW Grassroots Motorsports corner-weighed a 914 for the Nov/Dec 1997 issue. Without driver they came up with 44.6% front and 56.4% rear. Unfortunately these don't add up to 100% so I'm not impressed with their math skills. They did give the corner weights however:
469 473
585 604
The total is 2131 and by my calculations the distribution is 44.2% front and 55.8% rear. They didn't mentions how full the gas tank was or whether the top was in place. The car was a 74 2L with Fuchs.
While I'm at it let me give you the 0-60 time they measured: 9.17 seconds. (This was a welll-built but stock motor.) In the April 1988 issue of Car and Driver a never-overhauled 1973 2L was tested at 8.6 seconds. That car had a curb weight of 2222lbs. BTW, what is curb weight, does it include driver?
Posted by: 914-8 Mar 14 2006, 10:23 AM
IMO if you'd even consider a Miata -
a 914 is not for you.
Posted by: olav Mar 14 2006, 10:32 AM
In a 914 you get thumbs up from 356's.
I did and was shocked.
Posted by: turboman808 Mar 14 2006, 10:39 AM
Well haven't driven a 914 yet but I will Sunday. Now when I autox this year and the miatas are kicking my ass I may regret the 914
Miatas are pretty badass little autox cars though. Not sure about 914s honestly.
Posted by: grantsfo Mar 14 2006, 10:44 AM
| QUOTE (914-8 @ Mar 14 2006, 08:23 AM) |
| IMO if you'd even consider a Miata - a 914 is not for you. |
I agree Miatas are for sissies or for husbands to drive when its raining.
Posted by: Mueller Mar 14 2006, 10:45 AM
| QUOTE (turboman808 @ Mar 14 2006, 09:39 AM) |
| Miatas are pretty badass little autox cars though. Not sure about 914s honestly. |
depends on the level of prep on each car......you'll be shocked (pleasantly) how well a 30 year old car does up against newer modern cars....
the skill of the driver make a huge differance, if you suck at driving the 914, jumping into a Miata isn't going to make you any better
I've never driven the older Miatas, I did get a chance to flog the new MX5 a few times and it was okay....I'd buy one if I could only have one car.........
Posted by: mikelsr Mar 14 2006, 11:14 AM
Before I bought the Boxster I went looking at Miatas. I was looking at a new one not used at that time. I am 5'10' with broad shoulders. When I sat in the Miata my shoulder would hit the door. When I went on a test drive I had to "lean" to the right to drive it and that was not comfortable. I bought the Boxster (love at first sight).
Before I bought the 914 I again went looking at Miatas for autocrossing/track use. I found some in my price range and even found some that had been turbocharged. I thought I could life with the lean for AX and track but then my back reminded me that it doesn't like to lean too often. The Miata is a nice car and if you fit in one and like that type of car then buy one.
I bought by teener because 1) I have owned Porsches since 1988, 2) I love Porsches, 3) I have always liked the 914, 4) the car was in good shape, and 5) the price was right.
Good luck with your decision which ever way you decide.
Mike
Posted by: turboman808 Mar 14 2006, 11:24 AM
| QUOTE (mikelsr @ Mar 14 2006, 09:14 AM) |
| When I sat in the Miata my shoulder would hit the door. When I went on a test drive I had to "lean" to the right to drive it and that was not comfortable. I bought |
HAHA reminds me when I bought a 2000 celica to learn to race in. For a stock car it was pretty badass and with the auto tranny I spent the summer focusing completely on taking proper lines.
Anyways Everything was good I had the new car and was all ready to race. Then I went to the first autox. Put on my helmet and realized I don't fit HAHA
I had to recline the seat to drive that car but it was still alot of fun.
Posted by: ninefourteener Mar 14 2006, 11:38 AM
Gay car? Chicks car? Whatever.. thats irrelevant.
Miatas are too "round". To me... they look like a giant suppository.
Not to mention..... you only see..... what? Maybe a thousand of them every day?
They have no "character".....
Buy a 914 
)
Posted by: Plastic Buddha Mar 14 2006, 12:58 PM
Pretty interesting discussion! 1/1 scale, go for what tickles your fancy. Personally, I'd purchase a 914 (still being prodded by AirBoston 
) as it is a rare sight and surprisingly affordable (at least "tip of the iceberg" wise!). That is if I quit nickle and diming myself with 1/10th scale projects. I've built the Miata: (a "chick" actually owns the reference car)
I'll let you know as soon as I build the 914 from GT Performance and find a club member who would be kind enough to share some reference photos. My apologies for the OT tangent.
Posted by: Bruce Allert Mar 14 2006, 01:49 PM
![popcorn[1].gif](http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/popcorn[1].gif)
.....b
Posted by: jhadler Mar 14 2006, 02:26 PM
The 914 is a fairly uncommon vintage sportscar, with a racing herritage that practically has no equal.
The miata is a japanese repro of a '60's era brittish roadster. It has a lot of the qualities of the older sports cars, without any of the character. The suspension is very well designed, SLA front and rear. It handles exceptionally well with minimal effort. It's got a good amount of power (especially the newer engines), and still has nice amenities like A/C, power windows, smooth shifiting, no oil leaks, no burning electricals, and things like that.
The 914 has dramatically more storage space than the miata, more interior room. And if you were to take both cars, and put the same development into them, they'd both handle exceptionally well.
914: A car with history, character, uniqueness, and skill. People may stop and stare at a really nice one...
Miata: An appliance that you can take to the track or the autox with no problems at all. No one will notice the car unless it's on fire...
Me, I'd take the 914... Oh, I already did.... :-)
-Josh2
Posted by: pfierb Mar 14 2006, 04:13 PM
| QUOTE (jhadler @ Mar 14 2006, 04:26 PM) |
| The 914 is a fairly uncommon vintage sportscar, with a racing herritage that practically has no equal. The miata is a japanese repro of a '60's era brittish roadster. It has a lot of the qualities of the older sports cars, without any of the character. The suspension is very well designed, SLA front and rear. It handles exceptionally well with minimal effort. It's got a good amount of power (especially the newer engines), and still has nice amenities like A/C, power windows, smooth shifiting, no oil leaks, no burning electricals, and things like that. The 914 has dramatically more storage space than the miata, more interior room. And if you were to take both cars, and put the same development into them, they'd both handle exceptionally well. 914: A car with history, character, uniqueness, and skill. People may stop and stare at a really nice one... Miata: An appliance that you can take to the track or the autox with no problems at all. No one will notice the car unless it's on fire... Me, I'd take the 914... Oh, I already did.... :-) -Josh2 |
Funny especially the on fire bit!!!!
Posted by: jd66921 Mar 15 2006, 08:13 AM
I posted this to both the 914 forum and the Miata forum. Over 80 replies,
more interest than any other topic I have contributed to. Usually I kill any
topic I add to!
Nobody convinced me of anything, although I didn't really think they would.
I guess I am now convinced that the 914, much as I desire it, is not
something that can be driven regularly unless a very large investment in
money and time is made. It was interesting to see how many Miataphiles
want/have/had 914's.
A couple of notes on the 914's based on the comments:
I never adjusted the valves very often. Always ran well. (Except when wet!)
The shifter did not bother me. It took me a long time to learn that you
could do a 1-2 shift straight up without following the pattern. Never hit
reverse! The unusual shift pattern is what got me thinking about the 914 again.
The brakes and steering were both superb. I could think about changing
lanes and it was done. The brakes never seemed to lock up, but stopped the
car perfectly.
The final straw in the life of the 914 for me was a broken muffler mount
that left the muffler supported only by the engine studs. Once those started
breaking, it was too much to fix
Anyway, I don't want a racer, nor do I want to build one. I am too old to
want to build my dream car. I am also disabled/retired so money is a
consideration. I am a good wrench, but not all the time.
In summary, I guess I'll probably opt for the Mazda, unless some fantastic
deal appears for a good Porsche appears. If anyone hears of one in Texas let
me know! Of course, I have never seen anything close to the prices people
talk of for NA Miata's either.
Jeff
Posted by: Bruce Allert Mar 15 2006, 08:29 AM
Owning both is the best way to go.
I'll end there........ 
.......b
Posted by: watsonrx13 Mar 15 2006, 11:12 AM
I currently own a '04 Miata with 30,000 miles. I purchased it just before I sold my '95 Miata with 220,000+ miles. I currently own (2) '74 2.0l 914s, one is drivable, after a 2 year restoration, the other one is currently being restored. I own/drive the Miata because of the reliabilty and dependability. I drive 80+ miles round-trip daily to work. The 914 is a weekend/play car for me.
-- Rob
Posted by: Joe Ricard Mar 15 2006, 11:57 AM
Rob, you need to drive your teener more. How about let me have it for a few months. 
I'll bring it back running like a top Promise
Might need some tires and brakes though 
Posted by: root Mar 15 2006, 12:13 PM
I like 'em all.... however, I put the one's I like best in the forground!
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Bruce Allert Mar 15 2006, 06:44 PM
| QUOTE (watsonrx13 @ Mar 15 2006, 10:12 AM) |
| I currently own a '03 Miata with 30,000 miles. I purchased it just before I sold my '95 Miata with 220,000+ miles. -- Rob |
Wow! Cool. an 03 w/ 30K
good find. My 95 M edition has 31K. Had 28 when I found it.......b
Posted by: watsonrx13 Mar 15 2006, 07:02 PM
| QUOTE (Bruce Allert @ Mar 15 2006, 07:44 PM) | ||
Wow! Cool. an 04 w/ 30K good find. My 95 M edition has 31K. Had 28 when I found it.......b |
Hey Bruce, I bought the car new (it's an '04) and have put 30K on it in 16 months....
-- Rob
Posted by: Bruce Allert Mar 15 2006, 07:57 PM
Rob,, for some reason I saw '93 instead of 03 or 04. 
I guess oldtimers is set'n in. 
You sure you din't edit it? Please say ya did 
........b
Posted by: watsonrx13 Mar 15 2006, 08:03 PM
| QUOTE (Bruce Allert @ Mar 15 2006, 08:57 PM) |
| Rob,, for some reason I saw '93 instead of 03 or 04. I guess oldtimers is set'n in. You sure you din't edit it? Please say ya did ........b :D |
Bruce, I did edit it, but from '03 to '04, sorry old timer.....
-- Rob
Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Mar 16 2006, 11:58 AM
Bought a new Miata in '89, when it first came out. Kept it almost 10 years. Nice car, did everything I expected of it. Still have the 914 I bought over 30 years ago. Wa-a-ay more character, though it has, of course, required more upkeep. That I still have the 914 and not the Miata shows where my allegiance is. The passage of time has only enhanced my enjoyment of this car and I've seen a noticable shift in people's attitude regarding this unique and individual automobile. In this "cookie cutter" age of auto design, oft times the result of committees and focus groups, it's refreshing to savor a vehicle that is distinctive, capable, fun to drive and full of character(flaws and all)!
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