Serious question - 914 or Boxster? Options

[96conv]

I've always wanted a 914. Looks cool, well-balanced, old school air-cooled Porsche. But I've been afraid to jump in because of all the horrific stories of rust damage. So I decided to save a little more $ and buy an already restored beauty. However, I've read somewhere on this board that there isn't a way to totally prevent rust on these babies as they were never galvanized by the factory. And, the car will be living outside 24X7 under an all-weather cover.

Is it true that rust cannot be prevented on a 914? If this isn't true, what will it take to make it rust proof? How much will it take? Am I better off buying a used Boxster ('97s - '99s are hecka cheap)? Ok, not old school cool, not air-cooled either but well-balanced vehicle with all the modern amenities plus supercharging potential.

What do you think would be more cost-effective to own? What do you think would be most satisfying to own?

[Brian Mifsud]

I consider my 914 a "classic four wheeled motorcycle".

All the fun and agility, open air, simplicity.



What the 914 lacks compared to modern cars is:

Comfort (seating, especially long trips..my aching back....)
"Creature" Comforts (get a collection of clean old towels for your defrost, get used to having to take a shower after every drive from "Hitler's revenge" ie oil mist via the "heater"...
Noise (lots of it)
Tempermental Type IVs
Tempermental 901
Low profile.. (no one can see you on the road)
Impact/Collision.... (drive it like you do a motorcycle)...

Also.... haha.. fuel tank in your lap.... "oh the humanity"...


Now, I've never driven a Boxster... but.. It seems Porsche looked carefully at a 914, then added everything they needed to "update" the car to "modern" standards...


I drive my 914 like I did my old Moto Guzzi 850 Lemans I.... it's a "classic" and you sacrifice some things to own and operate it.