your opinion on two cars in classifieds Options

[eman 928]

Hi,

Looking for my first 914 and came across two nice looking 914's. One is a 73 2.0 and the other is a 1975 2.0. Here are the links:

1973
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=332966

1975
http://www.914world.com/bbs2/index.php?showtopic=331804

All else being equal, which one would you choose? is the 73 more desirable due to it being 2.0 appearance package with the non 1975 bumpers?

Thanks, in advance,
Eric

[Tom_T]

Eric - "All things being equal" is always the big question.

I can't do that on these 2 cars for you, but you or whomever does the PPI for you should use Jeff Bowlsby's condition assessment form at the link below to evaluate that "equal" -

http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/zTN_Gen_914CAF.pdf

Also - in addition to the 914 Info section at the top of this page, Jeff's & Steve's 914 sites are good info for 914s -

http://bowlsby.net/914/Classic/

p914.com (& .org & .net)

Also - do you prefer the late 75-76 big bumper 914s, or the early 70-72 no-tits, or 73-74 tit chrome/steel bumper 914s looks?

As for the two 2.0 motors - the 73-74 GA code 2.0's are 91/95 HP (SAE/DIN), while the late 75-76 49 state GC code 2.0s drop to 84/88 HP (SAE/DIN), & the California GCs with the crapalytic converter & different detuning for smog were only something like 80/84 HP IIRC - which is comparable to the 70-72 1.7s (49 state 73 was 80 DIN, but the Cal 73 dropped to 69 HP).

Also, the total curb wt. is 100-200 lbs. more on the big bumpered 75-76 914s, so the power-to-wt. ratios are also lower. I test drove some new 75 & 76 2.0s when I was deciding on my 73 2.0 during late 1975, & I could tell a definite difference, & felt that it was almost like my buddy's 71 1.7 (which he still owns w/ 71K +/- miles).

So there is a definite power & performance difference, but those bumpers will give you more "bump' protection (5-7 mph range).

There are also a lot of other trim, fitment & materials differences in the MYs, so look at p914.com for the range of those changes (e.g.: in 74> the turn signal indicators went from L & R lights to just one for L&R, along with black button gauges with plastic bezels from glass, tartan fabric inserts became available 75>, etc., among other changes).

And be aware that as of today the 1976 2.0s still have to pass bi-annual smog tests in CA (no 1.8s made for 76 MY), so they're hard to sell here.

All things NOT being equal - at this point pick the best condition, best sorted one you can find - or the best project basis one, if you're looking to work on one.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/welcome.png)

PS - The 73-74's tend to have better values & appreciation for the above reasons, & probably will continue to, & the earlier 73s all/most had the Appearance & Performance Groups of options included on them in the base price up to +/- March 73 production/sales - so it's easier to find a "loaded" 73 2.0 - but there are/were fully loaded 74 2.0s too, but you get the rear bumper tits & the other MY changes.

Happy Hunting! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)
Tom
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