Early vs late styles Options

[andreic]

Hello,

I currently own a 1975 914 1.8L which has some rust (not a lot, but some) which is bothering me. I have the option to buy a very nice, almost completely rust free 1971 1.7L. If I buy it I would sell the '75, I can't keep two toy cars.

I am trying to decide if the disadvantages I know of (see below), and the ones I don't know of, of the early models, make up for the difference in rust.

Here is what I know is worse on the early models, please let me know if this is accurate, how important these issues are, and if there are other things I forgot about.

1) No sway bars -- does this affect handling a lot? I love the way my 914 handles, but I don't know if without the sway bars it will be the same.
2) Tail versus side shifter -- is this a big difference? I guess I could upgrade to a side shifter if needed, I saw the parts on craigslist all over.
3) 1.7L engine less powerful than 1.8L
4) No retractable seatbelts -- can one install the newer style?
5) Passenger seat does not move (for me that's not a biggie).
6) On the plus side, nicer bumpers on the early cars.

Please let me know what your experience is with these issues, and how important you think they are.

Thanks!