911 vs. 914, have you had the same experience? Options

[nebreitling]

Just got back from a couple fun runs through the hills with a friend. real nice guy. we took turns driving each other's cars -- he has a '82 911 SC and i've got my '75 2.0.

okay, granted: the 911 has some twice or more the raw power, a higher red line with a relatively wide power band, a more confident shifter with quicker throws, some seriously more macho brakes, and -- in his case -- A/C.

however, i found myself getting loose at lower speeds on turns that i normally fly through! and the 911 seems to break traction without much warning at all (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) !! yes, the acceleration grins were a blast -- but modulating thottle, brake and clutch through the twisties was a scary, concentrated lesson in giving the car super-subtle input to avoid winding up in the ditch.

then he drove mine. he never got used to the shifter (and mine is one of the better-shifting 914s i've driven), but he seemed to have a great time lightly flicking it around corners with ease.

i never appreciated what an agile porsche the 914 is until driving his 911. conclusion? i need a 3.0 in my teener.

better start saving.

[Jeroen]

Jeroen: Interesting that you mention the 944. I have a 951 and a 914. I have not drove a 914, or 911 for that matter, and am curious as to how it would compare to the 951. Is the driving experience of a 951 and 914 similar?

Even though the weight distribution in a 944/951 is similar to a 914, I think they're hugely different cars.

The 914 is a very nimble car. A street legal go-cart. Everything is very direct.
The 944 is obviously a heavy car, which you notice in every little detail of the driving experience. It just doesn't give you as much feedback as a 914 or a 911.

For my taste, the 944 is just a bit too modern, luxurious and civilized. For most people this would be a big plus, and therefore they are great cars. They're just very different.

The 944 is a very easy and forgiving car to drive fast.

I owned a 944S for a little while (2.5 16V 190bhp) and I found myself actually cruising the highway at the speedlimit (very comfy).
That's something I just can't seem to do in the 911. It's always asking to be driven faster and pushed harder.

944s would make a very good and comfy daily driver, and the latest versions (the S2 and turbo's) are very fast cars.
Just like the 914, they are very underrated cars...

cheers,

Jeroen