Leaking Batteries ? ? ?, Are new ones better than old ones? Options

[John]

I have had my silver 1974 914 for 15 or 16 years (I've lost count) now and have always heard about leaking batteries in 914's.

I know the "Hell Hole" exists primarily because the battery was above that area and that batteries used to leak acid in the area causing the paint to peel and then the metal to corrode badly.

Most every 914 that I have had or worked on had at one point or another a problem in this area (my silver street car is no exception). I repaired/restored my silver car about 11 or 12 years ago while I was still in college and have never had any batteries leak during my ownership of the car.

I have always used the lead-acid variety of battery since I bought the car way back and have never had a battery leak.

My question is this: Are newer batteries that much better than those from the 1970's which seemingly all had leakage problems (at least as 914's go)?

What has changed in battery technology or have I just been lucky not to have had one leak?

I am at the point where I may replace the battery once again and am wondering if the "dry" or "sealed" Optima battery is worth the extra expense (especially seeing that I have never had a battery leak).....

I thank you for your support.