OT: 914 versus 911 Options

[PlaysWithCars]

Wow, tough call. The 911 is refined and more comfortable, the 914 raw and honest. If I could keep only one it would be the 914. I love the driving experience and am constantly amazed by the packaging done by the engineers. Passenger compartment is comfortable (even for my 6'4" frame), the top stores in back w/o compromising any trunk capacity and the spare can go in the front or rear to suit your needs. Absolutely amazing.

[914-300Hemi]

The issue is the 914 is a 1.7 and you will want more performance after a while.
The 911 is more comfortable then a 914. If you are married your spouse will appreciate the 911.
There is always something special about driving both.
I would drive both and get the best Porsche that fits you.
You can’t go wrong with either decision.
Good luck on your decision.

[Steve]

This is a 914 website, so we might be a little biased. I personally didn’t like my 993 and sold it. It was heavy, bulky and I didn’t like the lift throttle oversteer. My 914 has a 3.2 drivetrain with 916 gearbox, so performance was better than the 993 with 4 speed tiptronic. However I wish I would of also kept the 993 and convert it to a Manuel gearbox. If I had to choose between both cars I would still keep my 914. Now choosing between a four banger 914 and similar condition 911, I would choose the 911. The 911 is worth more money and I don’t like gutless cars. People drive crazy in so cal. If I can’t get to 80mph by the end of the on ramp, I won’t drive it.

[Rleog]

I think that you need to have that 2.7 L assessed very carefully.

[Jett]

Recently bought a 77 Targa because we loved the narrow body and color. The 2.7 was rebuilt by a highly reputable builder and the thermal reactors were already replaced. That said, because the G body cars were not very expensive, over time the car was neglected. As you can see we are replacing the stock suspension, and every mechanical system rebuilt... brake hoses and shocks were original, wheel bearings and axles needed replacing. The interior was also original and fully worn out, which also needed attention.

All that said, we love this car because of the color and uniqueness (the Bamberg radio has a microphone that dictates to tape), but would sell it long before we considered selling the 73 Delphi 2.0 914.

Btw. The 2.7 is surprisingly fast, and kinda feels like an early muscle car, but if you want to go fast then a 2001 996TT is the best choice (IMO) for the money (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif) no IMS issues but make sure that the water hoses have been pinned.

[sixnotfour]

But those 911 fenders from the drivers seat, make me cross eyed... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

[Jett]

But those 911 fenders from the drivers seat, make me cross eyed... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

Next time you are in town, you can take it for a spin.

[andreic]

Well, I don't know much about the 911, its owner passed away and it is being sold as an estate sale, with no history of work done on it. They claim they had an offer of $22k for it, but they'd like to see if they can get more.

From the pictures it looks like a car that is in good condition, but was not a show car. I may try to go have a look at it tomorrow, it is 2 hours away.

What I do know is that my current 914 took almost two years to get sorted out. It was in "running condition" but that meant I needed to redo brakes, fuel lines, fuel pump, paint job, new clutch... all costs added to around $8k on a car that cost $6k originally. I don't regret it, it now drives very nicely, but I can't afford buying a $22k car that will need another $20k in repairs...

[billh1963]

That 911 has sports seats...which is a premium

[horizontally-opposed]

Sport seats a big plus, but…

The vent windows (trying to remember when those stopped being available, even by special order), some of the wear and tear (which indicates neglect and, possibly, a 911 that might need "everything" to be nice), and visible rust on some undercarriage stuff (may be superficial, but I'd want to poke around) would probably have me take a pass.

Targa v targa, I'd take the targa. Porsche learned a lot from the 911 Targa and applied it to the targa-topped 914. And yours is nicely sorted while this 911 comes with a largely unknown history? Yep, 911s are cool but I'd probably keep the 914. Just my two cents...

[mepstein]

If you can’t afford $20k in repairs, definitely get a real PPI.

[Front yard mechanic]

That car running is worth 22 all day long. Just look on the bird and compair

[IronHillRestorations]

The 911 looks decent, but the ice pick is the true test.

If you are happy with your 914, stick with it. Car for car the 914 wins this one IMHO; better useability, better handling, and it's more of a known quantity.

If the 911 is a solid chassis and the engine isn't worn out, you might be able to come out ahead on it, but if it's going to push your pocketbook, it could be an expensive albatros.

I'm a 914 lover, but I got a 964 targa about three years ago, and I'm happy with it. The 3.6 is fun, and the modern ventilation is nice. I miss the luggage space the 914 has, and the 914 roof is a better design and easier to stow. I think the 911 targa might leak less than a 914, but that's a toss up.

[barefoot]

Starting in 1976, Porsche started using fully galvanized bodies on the 911's.
When I got my 1980 Targa, while there was lots of road rash on the front valance & bumper, there was NO rust on the body. This from an Ohio car that may have been subjected to heavily salted roads in the winter.

76 was a bad year for the thermal reactors that resulted in extra heat exposure to the motor and some pulled head studs but the underside shot looks as it may have been updated ??.. Have somebody who knows to a PPI by all means.

God luck

[Superhawk996]

Easy choice for me.

Real sports cars are mid-engine and don't have back seats. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy11.gif)

[thelogo]

Something about a red 911 or (mustang ) that just rubs me the wrong way

If your jane fonda or Goldie Hawn thats one thing
But a red 911 would be the last car id go near

Unless it was wine red... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[RickS]

Something about a red 911 or (mustang ) that just rubs me the wrong way

If your jane fonda or Goldie Hawn thats one thing
But a red 911 would be the last car id go near

Unless it was wine red... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Couldn’t agree more. Wine red is gorgeous but I got stuck with this POS with Goldie wheels 7s and 9s.



As far as choosing between the 914 and a 911, I would strongly recommend getting a PPI. A complete engine rebuild is now about $15K. Tranny rebuild figure $3,000. You know what you are getting with the teener, but without a PPI on the 911, you could end up paying more than you ever bargained for. If it needs body work.....

I dig my SC EFI for long haul drives because it is so comfortable but appreciate it because it is so difficult to drive well at the limit. The power can not be denied as a big plus.

Love my 914-6 conversion but it’s too brutal a ride for more than 4 hours at a time. I was underwhelmed with the 1.7 but the carbed 3.0 transformed it to being a real blast.

[cali914]

911 all day long

[Unobtanium-inc]

Something about a red 911 or (mustang ) that just rubs me the wrong way

If your jane fonda or Goldie Hawn thats one thing
But a red 911 would be the last car id go near

Unless it was wine red... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

I'm a firm believer that Ferrari's should be red, and Porsche's should be silver. I put my money where my mouth last year.