What would you do?, 911SC or 914?? Options

[turbonet]

I post this on the 914world facebook group but I still can't decide. Still looking for someone with that golden advice that makes me say "Yah, thats what I need to do"

I have a 73 Alaska blue metallic. Matching numbers. Its rusty but complete. Will need full restoration.


I also have 78 911SC roller. complete minus motor and trans. It pretty nice shape save for cracks in dash and seats.

I can only keep one.

What would you do??

[914-300Hemi]

Depends on the restoration budget. They are different animals.

[horizontally-opposed]

Had a 1973 914 and a 1979 911 SC, but could only keep one. The 914 was probably worth $10k~ or maybe a bit more at the time. The 911 was worth $18k~. I reasoned that I could always find another nice 911 SC, but that finding another 914 like mine would be tougher. And I'd had it since I was 15.

I still have the 914.

HOWEVER, if I were in your shoes, I'd keep the 911 SC and move the 914 on. Why? I'd much rather source and engine/trans/dash/upholstery than deal with a rusty 914...and you can always use the 911 SC as a bargaining chip to get into a better 914 down the road. Maybe a six conversion, or just a really (!) nice 914-4.

Just my two cents…

[Unobtanium-inc]

Yeah, like Hemi said, it depends on your budget. If you don't have the money to source and engine/gearbox for the 911, it's kind of a moot question. But a normal dude with normal funds can get a 914 going and do a lot of the work himself, so if you're low on funds, go with the 914. I doubt you can sell the 914 for enough to finish the 911, but you can sell the 911 for enough to really get somewhere on the 914.

Good luck either way, there isn't a completely wrong decision here, like blond or brunette, either way you're in good hands.

[turbonet]

Had a 1973 914 and a 1979 911 SC, but could only keep one. The 914 was probably worth $10k~ or maybe a bit more at the time. The 911 was worth $18k~. I reasoned that I could always find another nice 911 SC, but that finding another 914 like mine would be tougher. And I'd had it since I was 15.

I still have the 914.

HOWEVER, if I were in your shoes, I'd keep the 911 SC and move the 914 on. Why? I'd much rather source and engine/trans/dash/upholstery than deal with a rusty 914...and you can always use the 911 SC as a bargaining chip to get into a better 914 down the road. Maybe a six conversion, or just a really (!) nice 914-4.

Just my two cents…

Use as a bargaining chip down the road....hmmmmmm....that's the exact thinking I'm looking for.

[VegasRacer]

Why are you in this situation? Budget? Time table? Shop space?
What will it cost to get each one back on the road? 20K?
How much can you get for them in their current condition? 5K?
Are you sentimentally attached to either car?

Sell them both and get something better.



My choice would be easy. I only ever looked at 911's as parts donors, and the best stuff is already gone on this one.

[RickS]

I happen to have both and they are very different animals. The 914 to me is a more raw, basic, stripped down sports car. It corners beautifully, is fantastic on warm days with the top off, and has an undeniable cache. That said, for me, the 914 is a riot for day jaunts but can get uncomfortable (ho-hum seats and a suspension which is pretty basic) on 4+ hour freeway drives. If you are getting older, getting in and out can be an issue. At least that will be a few years away for me.

The SC is far more refined, comfortable, powerful but doesn’t nearly corner as well and lacks the rawness. The 914 is easy to drive fast, the SC takes skill and precision. I have spun the SC more than once, but it was on the track, not so for the 914. As you can have already guessed, the SC handles long distances well and you are comfortable. It’s easy to get in and out of but lacks the approachability of the 914, and carries the “prick is on the inside” stigma. So that’s why I have both. Sometimes I feel like a prick and sometimes I don’t (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif). Probably confused you more.

Good luck on your choice

[cali914]

Let your wife choose. Otherwise pick the one that you would have more fun driving.

[cali914]

I hated my 1980 sc with only 180 hp sold it and went back to my v8 914. Never regretted a moment of that decision.

[turbonet]

I suppose I should mention I have a 79 SC and a 74 914 as well.

I just don't have time for 2 cars let alone 4. So two have to go. I've always
been a 911 guy but I really like the 73.

So what it really comes down to is a 79SC. All stock matching numbers car plus one of the others.

73 is matching numbers
74 is not original but very clean rust wise
78SC no motor no trans

I eliminated the 74 because it's not original anymore. Was used as a racecar for a while.

So that leaves me with thr other two.
No particular emotional attachment other than my affinity for 911's.
The 914 has really grown on me though.

[turbonet]

Let your wife choose. Otherwise pick the one that you would have more fun driving.

But I don't want to sell all of them.....

[DaveO90s4]

Can you address and solve the issue that is causing you this conundrum?

[billh1963]

From a financial sense it would make more sense to sell them both and buy a good running 911 or 914

[mepstein]

From a financial sense it would make more sense to sell them both and buy a good running 911 or 914

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
Once you source an engine and trans, the SC could be made running very quickly. But even without, It has pretty good value as it sits. The rusty 914 will take lots of time and money and probably wont be more than what it cost to fix it but if it’s pretty rusty, it’s only a parts car as it sits.

Off the top of my head I would guess your SC is worth about $12-15 while the 914 is worth about $3.

[SteveL]

If you are for sure keeping the 79 SC, and it is already nice, then I'd keep the 914.
Sell the 78 SC and use the funds to work towards a really nice 914. Then you have two different toys to pick from each day, rather than picking between two of the same.

[EdwardBlume]

IMHO - Sell them both.

If you can't decide between the two you really aren't into either one.

Some people do this for passion, some for money, some for whatever else.

Passion lasts a long time, longer than money, whatever else comes and goes.

Good luck!

[campbellcj]

^ I agree that selling both to raise funds for as nice a complete/drivable car as possible makes the most logical sense. If the SC roller is complete and solid it should sell quickly.

[TravisNeff]

Do you want a resto project, or something that runs and drives that you only need to tinker with?

I have both an SC and 914. The 914 is much more fun to drive. If one had to go it would be the 911. But then again I would ditch my DD and get something cheaper if it was coming down to those hard choices.

[bbrock]

Well, you asked what would "I" do so here it is. Given that "I" would still have a nice SC to drive regardless of the decision and "I" like the project challenge of restoring a car needing some love, "I" would sell the other SC and keep the 914 to have a nice project and eventually a helluva fun car to drive. If for some reason "I" wasn't ready to take on a project at this time, "I" would do as others suggest; sell them both and start shopping for a nice 914.

[ValcoOscar]

WOW...I'm sure your head is spinning from all the input but in reality, you should decide on which one to keep and get your wallet ready. Either option will require big $$$. If you're not prepared financially sell them both and get a nice running 914 you can enjoy right away. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/driving.gif) Welcome to our madness...enjoy the journey.

BTW...it's boring having a finished car...all my cars are ongoing projects...just have to space out my pennies.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

Oscar