Is there a modern 914, Wondering if there is a 21st century equivalent Options

[worn]

I have been wondering a lot lately if there is an equivalent of a light weight sports car like a 914 made for today’s drivers. The 914 seems to have been focused on driving, rather than comfort: my 61 Falcon was no less comfortable or optioned. I know they have to pass safety and emissions. A toybaru?

[Amphicar770]

While some purists gasp, just put AC in your 914

If it were not for my ice cold AC on 100 degree plus days, I probably would have replaced my 914 long ago. Rotary compressor takes minimal hit to horsepower.

[horizontally-opposed]

While some purists gasp, just put AC in your 914

If it were not for my ice cold AC on 100 degree plus days, I probably would have replaced my 914 long ago. Rotary compressor takes minimal hit to horsepower.

4 or 6? I am starting to see the wisdom of A/C in a 914—might make the difference between taking the 914 on long trips in good weather and taking something else.

As to the OP, it's a good question:

Lotus Elise: Incredible performance and linkable to the 914 in many ways, but it doesn't have the dual "touring" nature of the 914; feels more bare bones to me, in an odd way?

Alfa 4C: Size is so wonderfully right, great styling, similar top concept, but isn't a Porsche in character/nature (much like the Elise isn't) and is auto only (a deal-killer for me).

Toyota MR-2 Spyder: VERY similar to the 914 in many ways, but no trunk space and super cheap materials. Great to drive, but...somehow not quite a modern 914. Vastly underrated, however.

1997-1999 Boxster 2.5: Have to agree that these Boxsters are wonderfully close to a modern 914. Unlike the above, it's a Porsche through and through, and by that I don't mean the status-related thing, but the engineering sensibility and timelessness thing. Had a 1999 for a few years and tested all of the other variants for Excellence/Panorama/000, and only one other Boxster has ever felt like it might replace my 914 if it had to go (see below). Also had a long-term 2001 986 2.7, and if there is one I pine for another of, it's the 2.5. I'd drive the 2.5 and wonder why I kept my 914, as it did everything better and was comfy to boot. Then I'd drive the 914 on the right day and realize the 986 couldn't do what the 914 did, between its more elemental feel, smells, and sounds (and that was with the Type IV engine!). But then I'd park the 914 and be really happy to be back in the 986 after a few hours with vinyl seats and no A/C. The later Boxsters—all of them, 718 included—offer various and myriad improvements, but those first ones are very special. My brother owns my old one, with 215,000 miles on its original engine and Euro M030 suspension plus GT3 Cup control arms and some other tricks. It still sounds amazing, and pulls to redline beautifully. Some plastics are getting tired, and the paint is too, though still presentable. And then I had a funny realization: That 1999 Boxster is now older than my 1973 914 was when I got it in 1991. By that measure, the 986 has definitely worn better than my 914 had by that point. And: no rust.

2010/2011 Boxster Spyder: This is the one I'd get if I was going to replace my 914. The handling is otherworldly, as is the overall experience. The top is novel, and didn't bother me in any way. In fact, I think it added to the car in terms of engineering and experience. YMMV, but you can read more here:

https://www.excellence-mag.com/issues/182/a...se#.W0pJ8yPMwUE

http://www.excellence-mag.com/of-note/revi...ve#.W0pKFyPMwUE

https://www.excellence-mag.com/issues/196/a...st#.W0pKPiPMwUE