1973 vs 1974 914 2.0L differences? Options

[JeffBowlsby]

Some say 73 and 74 2.0L 914s are basically the same car, except most of the equipment in 73 became optional in 74. While essentially true, lets put that aside and assume both cars were equally equipped whether standard or optionally...there were many more differences in details than most realize. So what were all the differences? Lets document the differences here.

This is not a 73 vs 74 debate as to which is better, faster or preferred so hold back on the editorializing, its just asimple thread identifying the differences, no matter how small between the two model years, for the reader to discern.

To start it off, here are three pages from the 1974 2.0 Service and Training Manual describing some of the differences...I know of others. Post what you know and photos are helpful.

[Tom_T]

For the record - for the general 74 MY 914 line, the biggest change was that the 1.7 motor was dropped for the "new" 1.8L unit.

Other 2.0 changes I recall offhand were -

EFI components changed in 74 (maybe some late 73 MY):

MPS was -037 in 73, then -043? in 74-76

CHT went to -012 in 74-76

probably some other EFI components changed too.

2.0 Air Box lid/top went to banded from diamond embossing in late 73 with early use of 74 MY parts.

Ditto for the black plastic door threshold & carpet strip pieces (from earlier aluminum ones) same as above.

OT Gauge went to the narrow red band as noted in the pix Jeff posted - both for the center console gauge, as well as for the newly substituted combo fuel/OT gauge which became a "standard eqpt." on non-center console 2.0's in 74 MY (see below re: de-optioning), & this is a good way to tell if a 74-76 914-2.0 may have been originally a base model with a console added later);

and changes to the main instrument bezels & plastic covers (from glass) as noted above,

but the 3 main gauges also switched to the black center buttons (from the older silver bullet style),

and the Tach went from left & right turn signal indicator lights to just a single indicator for both L&R TS (as VW used in all their cars through the 80's).

The rear 914 & 1.8 & 2.0 emblems went to black plastic (from the painted or anodized aluminum ones).

The LE option was offered mid-year, and the accessory negative side stripe decals came out, and under their "Personalization Program" you could order the LE look option on any 914 (paint scheme, painted wheels, blackout sail/rollbar trim, side stripes).

All Appearance & Performance Groups & individual options became extra cost options,

... after initially being "included options" on the USA's "914 S"/914-2.0 - and then late in the 73 MY wen the DM to dollar exchange rate increased the prices from $5299 POE West Coast to $7599 IIRC by the end of the 73 MY they started offering "de-contented/de-optioned" 914-2.0s with some of the PG or AG groups or individual options removed for a lower base price to help their advertising & sales rate.

74 MY Advert for 2.0 (courtesy of Jeff's website):


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vs. - 73 MY "914 S" / 914-2.0 ad from Dec. 72 (color one courtesy of Jeff's website):


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Note that they used the exact same photo for both MY's adverts! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/shades.gif)

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