Aside from the cache, why a six over a four with same h.p.? Smoothness?, 1970-1976 914-4, 914-6 Options

[unpolire]

I have never driven a stock original 2.0 914-6. I have driven properly converted 914s with 2.7/3.0 transplants and my own stock 1.7Ls. Aside from the cache of a six in back, if you can have 200-250 h.p. from a four, why convert to a six? Is there a noticeable difference in torque and smoothness over a properly modified four? Can you feel it on the road? A serious question seeking the definitive answer that could save $10-20K later. Let's hear from both camps, pluses and minuses.

[SLITS]

A big four with lots of horsepower is a limited time engine normally due to the heat produced in making horsepower, the thinness of cylinders and a bunch of other considerations. The engine is highly stressed.

You can purchase one of Jake Raby's high horsepower engines that exhibit longevity, but you're going to be into it $11K probably. You can try building it yourself though.

The six will probably make more torque which is actually what propels the vehicle. High horesepower & no torque doesn't do crap. A six, treated well, will have much better longevity due to being less stressed.

Anyway, it's a mute question. Go whichever way you feel comfortable with ... It all costs big bucks.

There are many threads on 4 vs six ... do some searching and read.