914 vs 911, No, not a race Options

[scrz914]

Ok, I know some of you drive/have 914s and 911s. As this is a 914 forum everyone, I'm sure, has a strong opinion about their 914s. I'd like to hear some. What are the advantages of the 914 over the 911. Why did you choose a 914? $$$?, the people?
I know that people tend to dog the 914. Since I bought my first 914 in October I have growing respect for it. But now I have a chance to get a 911 for a good price, but I still day dream about my 914. Hmm...maybe I should keep both...naw, too expensive.
Seriously, I'd like to hear what people think of 911s compared to the 914.

[Carl]

914: raw, plain, unrefined, light, nervous, responsive, balanced, quick, low, unique.

911: solid, polished, power, brakes, heavy, confident, reliable, durable, recognizable, classic.

"Raw, plain and unrefined"... as compared to the 911 of the same years? Having had a 71E and a 914/6, I'd take the 914/6 any day.

The 914 is far more of a refined and balanced driver's car. Unless you're taking about wine-swilling, cheese munching social refinement.

How about this for the 911: Unbalanced, bloated, elitist and tailhappy.

You can keep your flagship car. No thanks!

-Rusty (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smoke.gif)

Hi Lawrence,
I wasn't really comparing the 914 to 911's of the same years because that's not usually the choice in front of a buyer. Most of the 911 comparison in this thread is to the SC series because they're available, relatively inexpensive, reliable, durable, fun cars. OK, so it's not a fair comparison to a 914 that may be 15+ years older but that's the market.

The SC's are more plush, they're tighter, heavier, they feel more solid. As a stock car they may not handle quite as well but they're pretty good.

Rich, Mike and others make a good point - what are you going to do with the car? Daily driver? Canyon chaser? AX? Track car? Both designs have their strengths that have been developed through their production history.

For "MY" use, the 911 is the choice as the daily driver. Not for status reasons but because it's a much better compromise between performance and passenger accommodation. For back road use, it's no question that the 914 is more fun.

Is that elitist? I don't think so. They're both great cars, they're just different. Just as 914 owners reject the NARP claim, the "whine and cheese" line is equally short-sighted.