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.

[Scott Carlberg]

My 911 SC (1979) and 914 (1973) were similarly prepped (lowered, bigger bars, stiffer shocks, bigger a/r bars, wider tires, etc).

When one had to go, it was the 911. Part of that was $$ -- as the 911 was worth $18K vs who knows what for a nicely modified but not original 1973 914 -- but the other part was that the SC didn't handle as well on back roads, felt a bit "pregnant" in turns, and wasn't really any more comfortable once up to speed on the freeway. But man did it get up to speed faster.

Still, I just enjoy driving the 914 more. On the right day, on the right road, it's just about unbeatable, mixing 356 nostalgia with modern handling capabilities. I've found myself in Boxsters or 996s following my 914 down the coast, wishing I could switch several times.

I suppose you can make anything handle if you try hard enough (once drove a track-prepped SC at S-Car-Go -- and this is not an endorsement -- that made my SC feel like a Vanagon) -- but I think the mid-engined 914 simply beats the 911 in this department. Until you get to the 993 Carrera RS (Euro), which handles A LOT like a 914, stock 911s fall behind the 914's handling curve.

Looks, interior space, and comfort features are another matter, however, but they're also pretty subjective. As mentioned above, what will you use the car more often for? A 911 represents one of the great cars of all time -- as does the 914. And they really do complement one another well. If you have the space and cash and patience, a 911 AND a 914 sounds great to me.

My long-winded two cents, for what it's worth,

pete

Pete,
that is/was a helluva 1ST post! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smilie_pokal.gif)

AND, you picked the perfect time too!:

Posted: May 14 2004, 09:14 AM


Welcome!