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> What makes a 914 handle so well?
Bob Wolcott
post Jun 10 2005, 10:38 PM
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I have heard several times that the 914 is one of the better handling cars out there. What exactly makes this so? Is it the balance, wheel base, CG height, suspension geometry, or a combination of the above? I'm not debating how well these car handle, I'm just curious why.

Thanks,
Bob
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Rand
post Jun 10 2005, 10:41 PM
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Mid engine, low, light, and all the stuff you said.
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Qarl
post Jun 10 2005, 10:42 PM
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The driver.

Actually, it's a combination of...

1. Good suspension geometry
2. Neutral balance due to mid-engine design
3. Low center of gravity
4. Light weight
5. Good suspension design
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Bob Wolcott
post Jun 10 2005, 10:44 PM
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What other cars are the primary competition of the 914 in the handling department? Is the 914 that much better than the rest?

Thanks,
Bob
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bondo
post Jun 10 2005, 10:48 PM
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I saw a magazine article that did a handling comparison tets of a bunch of cars back in the 70s.. the Triumph Spitfire beat the 914 ?!?!?! Must be the tires. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)
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TravisNeff
post Jun 10 2005, 10:49 PM
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That might be hard to quantify, if you mean stock car vs. stock car that would be a little easier. The sky's the limit when you hotrod cars.
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Qarl
post Jun 10 2005, 10:50 PM
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The Lotus Elise is the modern equivalent of a 914!


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Rand
post Jun 10 2005, 10:53 PM
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Hmmm...
Porsche Boxster
Lotus Elise
Toyota MR2
...
Of course many race cars are mid-engined. This could get interesting...
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Bob Wolcott
post Jun 10 2005, 10:53 PM
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I guess I would mean modified car vs. modified car. When I say modified I mean shock, wheel and tire upgrades with no welding or major suspension geometry changes. Only upgraded bolt-on components.

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Bob
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Rand
post Jun 10 2005, 10:54 PM
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Dang it Qarl, your garage is too clean! :drool:

Ok, who stole the drooley smiley? How about (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wub.gif)

This post has been edited by Rand: Jun 10 2005, 10:58 PM
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SirAndy
post Jun 10 2005, 10:59 PM
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new cars? quite a few. suspension design and materials (and electronics) have improved quite a bit in the last 30+ years ...

i played tag today with a Honda S2000 on my way back from the shop. went on for about 20 miles, he never managed to get by me, but he kept up with me pretty well.
at times we were going over 100mph ...

got the thumbs up when he took his exit ...

at the AX, the miatas are doing pretty well as do the boxsters (*if* in the hand of a capable driver) ...

but i don't really see any other 30+ year old car keeping up with the 914s at the AX ...
(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/driving.gif) Andy
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Brando
post Jun 10 2005, 11:02 PM
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I hear a mazdaspeed miata can give any modified 4-banger 914 a run for your money. Lightweight, low, and power galore with that turbo I4.
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Dave-O
post Jun 10 2005, 11:06 PM
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QUOTE (Brando @ Jun 10 2005, 11:02 PM)
I hear a mazdaspeed miata can give any modified 4-banger 914 a run for your money. Lightweight, low, and power galore with that turbo I4.

Stock non-mazdaspeed miatas clean my clock in SCCA C-stock. D-prepared looks better and better.

David
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grantsfo
post Jun 10 2005, 11:21 PM
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Lightweight and mid engine are the biggest contributors to the 914's handling. I'd argue the suspension and chassis are not up to more modern suspension of say the Boxster or Elise - especially in really fast hard corners. I can drive my boxster at an AX and not really try hard and do well. The 914 takes every ounce of my concentration to go fast.
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jgiroux67
post Jun 10 2005, 11:51 PM
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Dont miatas have alot more power than a 914?
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retrotech
post Jun 11 2005, 12:40 AM
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Wheel base is a factor. 10" longer than a SWB 911, around 8" longer than other 911's, only 1/2" differance between 914 & 997.
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MattR
post Jun 11 2005, 12:47 AM
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QUOTE (jgiroux67 @ Jun 10 2005, 09:51 PM)
Dont miatas have alot more power than a 914?

more peak power, but in the usable range I bet it would be a tossup.


My opinion of why the 914 handles well: low cg and light weight. Its the defenitive sports car. The geometry couldnt be optimized like today's suspension, but it also didnt have to meet the same safety and epa requirements to weigh it down.

Oh yeah, and its a porsche (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)
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URY914
post Jun 11 2005, 05:02 AM
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What makes a 914 handle?

Wider wheels and tires and a front sway bar. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/wink.gif)

Paul
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davep
post Jun 11 2005, 05:04 AM
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Certainly the low CG is a part of it, as is the nearly equal weight balance. People have mentioned the mid-engine configuration as well, and what they are alluding to is the low polar moment. This means the majority of the mass is concentrated near the center, and allows for rapid changes in direction. Spin that is. Just like a figure skater increases spin rate by pulling their arms in, and decreases spin by putting their arms out. It is very easy to spin a 914; too easy for a poor driver. On an AX course however it is a great benefit as is the short overhang front and rear.
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Joe Ricard
post Jun 11 2005, 05:43 AM
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Miatas are about equal. It's the driver that makes the difference. Every dog has it's day and last Sunday was my cars day. Not a miata within 4 seconds. Including a Speed, and S2000 and WRX. (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/owned.gif)

OK so my car is a hot rod. wish I could drive it like my friend Hassan. He's a teaching me.

Very low very wide very balanced very sticky tires very capable suspension.
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