914 vs Miata Options

[jd66921]

I have always had sports cars. My first car was a rolled over Austin Healey 3000. Then I had a
(new) Porsche 914 for many years. After a short, stupid break, I had a couple of RX-7's.

Now I am older (too old!), but my memories of the 914 make me want to buy another one.
Prices are not very high, butI am not sure I have the skills (welding mostly), strength,
or patience any more to keep one running. It seems like my choices are that or a Miata.

So, my question is, how does a 914 compared to a Miata, drivingwise? Are they comparable,
or very different? I loved the Porsche, but couldn't keep it running, especially
living in apartments. I want to enjoy that feeling again

[jhadler]

The 914 is a fairly uncommon vintage sportscar, with a racing herritage that practically has no equal.

The miata is a japanese repro of a '60's era brittish roadster. It has a lot of the qualities of the older sports cars, without any of the character. The suspension is very well designed, SLA front and rear. It handles exceptionally well with minimal effort. It's got a good amount of power (especially the newer engines), and still has nice amenities like A/C, power windows, smooth shifiting, no oil leaks, no burning electricals, and things like that.

The 914 has dramatically more storage space than the miata, more interior room. And if you were to take both cars, and put the same development into them, they'd both handle exceptionally well.

914: A car with history, character, uniqueness, and skill. People may stop and stare at a really nice one...

Miata: An appliance that you can take to the track or the autox with no problems at all. No one will notice the car unless it's on fire...

Me, I'd take the 914... Oh, I already did.... :-)

-Josh2