911 or 914, preference Options

[dax1969]

Hi,

911 1986 convertible - use it mainly for long cruises
914 1974 2.0 - little fun car.

Different cars and love them both .... a 914/6 is on the bucketlist... trade for the 911 ?

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dax

[Justinp71]

Got a 996.2 last year with some fun mods (suspension, shifter, exhaust, wheels) and have a 275hp carbed six conversion. Getting used to 911 ownership so driving that about 90% right now, it's fun too, plus kids fit in the back if I have to pick them up from school. 914 is faster though and more raw, you can definitely feel the difference in weight distribution. I think when the honeymoon period is over it'll be closer to 50/50.

[bkrantz]

Rear engine cars are fundamentally flawed because the car's center of mass is typically behind the rear wheels.

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Maybe "flawed" but a unique driving feel that can be more fun than a "perfect" mid-engine car.

[windforfun]

Rear engine cars are fundamentally flawed because the car's center of mass is typically behind the rear wheels.

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beer3.gif)

Maybe "flawed" but a unique driving feel that can be more fun than a "perfect" mid-engine car.

Except when it fish-tails off the road in bad weather.

[campbellcj]

My journey so far includes an early aircooled 911, a stock/street 914, hotrod 914, and watercooled 911... I'd say overall I far prefer the 914-6 driving experience vs early 911, assuming the cars had roughly similar powertrains. I daily-drove a 70 911 and then a 73 914-4 2.0 20 years ago and that was super fun. (I did spin-out each car at least once in the wet lol.) Despite its funky layout/handling the early 911 is such an icon and engineering masterpiece I'd love to have another one someday, probably a 70ST or 73/74RSR or IROC type hotrod.

Currently I absolutely love my 997TT which I've already had 9 years or so. The 997 gen offers a great blend of looks and modern comfort, safety and tech without all the bloat of the 991/992. Still hydraulic steering. Brutally fast car as set up now and could be made way faster but hard to justify that while I'm stuck in L.A. and I worry about jail every time I shift into 3rd... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)

In terms of directness of controls, sound, handling and raw driving experience my current 914 wins easily but it is so modified at this point that it's exhausting to drive very long on the street and really only suited for track use or canyon runs. I love it in this super raw configuration but if I don't start using it on the track regularly again I'm sure I'll end up putting it back in a more street-able setup so it can get some use on weekends.

Not planning to sell 914 or 997TT in foreseeable future however I confess some evil thoughts have entered my mind about possibly selling both cars to get a GT4RS. One of the only options I could see ticking enough of my boxes to consider a change.

[930cabman]

I have never driven or been driven in a 996, 997 or any "modern" Porsche, so I cannot really have a position. However I can say truthfully I like my carbs and points. ECU's, sensors to monitor the sensors are generally not user friendly for me.

Old school is the only school for me

[flyer86d]

Well, we bought our first Porsche, a 71 914 , in 1973. It was daily driver and then PCA autocross and track car. We sold it in December 1983 when our oldest was born. We bought a 1973 911T because it had a back seat. In 1988, I bought a 1983 Targa as a commuter car and later that year a 1980 911 hotrod track car. I thought I was converted and then I drove a Boxster. I had a Boxster from 2012 until I gave it to my eldest last year. All of the 911’s have been sold except for 1968 911.

My only keeper is the 914-6 project that I bought in 1981. I will never give it up. Now painted, I just have to assemble it. The house should be complete in a couple of months so I can get to it.

[Justinp71]

I will update my answer to say, 996 is for the days of mixed duty driving. Going to work, picking up kids, hot outside, etc. For pure driving amusement times the 914.

I will say though on the modern stuff make sure you buy something in good shape, they can be expensive to fix and/or maintain if a lot of maintenance has been deferred. Motors are very expensive, but 914 engines are now not cheap either.

[r_towle]

I have never driven or been driven in a 996, 997 or any "modern" Porsche, so I cannot really have a position. However I can say truthfully I like my carbs and points. ECU's, sensors to monitor the sensors are generally not user friendly for me.

Old school is the only school for me

Drive one, (a 997 or newer) then let’s talk.
Mine is 350 hp on paper, stupid fast, point and shoot.
I still have the aircooled ones to play with.

[Justinp71]

I have never driven or been driven in a 996, 997 or any "modern" Porsche, so I cannot really have a position. However I can say truthfully I like my carbs and points. ECU's, sensors to monitor the sensors are generally not user friendly for me.

Old school is the only school for me

Drive one, (a 997 or newer) then let’s talk.
Mine is 350 hp on paper, stupid fast, point and shoot.
I still have the aircooled ones to play with.

My 996.2 with coil-overs and GT3 front suspension is nice as well ~330hp, can keep up with a 997 GTS. I think it would be easier to start with a 997 however (if budget allows).

My 914-6 is stupid fast, but chassis doesn't feel quite as composed. As you said though the air cooled are fun to play with.