Over the years I've had 5 914s, 4 that could be driven. 3 were 2.0s and my first was a new '73 1.7. I've logged well over 100k miles in a 914 but never driven a 356. I'm curious to hear from those who've driven both as to how they compare.

I prefer to autocross the 914, rather than the 356. The 914 has just enough more juice to make it a lot more fun. It also handle tighter. I love my 356, but I haven't taken it to autocross in years.

I owned a '64 356 SC Coupe for 13 years before I got my present 914. The 356 was definitely a more civilized and well-oiled machine and provided a more forgiving and softer ride. The 914 is a more raw driving experience. Long trips in the 356 were a joy compared to the 914. The 914 is easier to work on, ergonomically.

Ansbacher

I've never traveled in the 914, so you might be on to something. I have traveled a lot in the 356 and they are nice on the road, squishy seats, plenty of space. No fun in the rain though...
It would be fun to do Mt. Washington in a 914.

I have driven many 356s in my time working for Zims. They are really different from a 914. The 356 feels like it is a ballerina on point. Beautiful, exotic, rare. The 914 feels like a good quarter horse. Agile, versatile, and a lot of fun.

Both are great cars in their own way.

This Zim?

Yes, that Zim. Just saw him on Friday. Still the same crotchety old man.

I got to do his intro for his 50th year PCA award. Said all sorts of nice things about him.

And he has told me all sorts of things about you too.

Difference between a 914 and 356? About $100,000.

I saw this on his wall once, it was funny.

It is his favorite saying, and a birthday present from me.

There huge ....Click to view attachment

Hey Marc!

Owned what, 30-ish 914's myself?

I've also owned 3 356's, one A and 2 C's. If you want one you can drive with some comfort, get the latest C you can. Things like disc brakes, improved shifting etc. make a huge difference.

Cost is a factor for me which is why I stuck with a 914-6 and a converted one at that. It's hard for a working stiff such as myself to swallow the price tag of an original 914-6 or a nice 356 C Coupe.

BUT, a C coupe with a 1750cc and Euro heater boxes makes a nice driver.

-Dan

Forgot to mention; if you think 914's have rust, wait until you poke into almost any 356, even one that looks to be solid.

Wind up turning into this usually:

That's only today, back when they were reasonably priced people fixed them however they could. My favorite floor pan ever!

Yes, fake ones are big
Good reviews thus far, and yes they are totally different experiences.

My 356 drives great, but it’s still soft and floaty compared to the 914. The short wheelbase is what makes it feel least like a newer car.
Now a worn out 356 drives like an expensive beetle.

Yes, please don't compare fake ones to the real thing in terms of drivability. I hear this a lot from people, a 356 is just a hopped up bug. I ask these people how many bugs they have seen run Le Mans? Apples and Oranges.

I dearly love my five 356s, and even though they are way beyond their time, the 914 is just a much more modern car and benefits from all of the improvements Porsche made over the years. There is not one thing that the 356 does better than the 914 but maybe look classic Porsche.
If you are considering buying one, get a C. The disc brakes are well worth the extra money, and the t-6 body had all of the improvements Porsche made to the car over the years.


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i always wondered about this, having never driven a 356, but figured its age and wheelbase would be a totally different ride. i'm sure there are improvements you could make but it is what it is.

beautiful pictures George, thanks for sharing, someday next time i get to Atlanta i will stop in to take a peek!

Hey Dan 30-ish 914s? I think you have a committment problem.

I posed this question just out of curiosity, thinking about 4 cyl Porsches. Probably should have considered 912s also but they kind of seem like a marketing move to wean loyal qwners away from their -4s.

I appreciate all the comments and feel like I have a better idea of what to expect if I ever get to drive a 356. BTW, driving on 101 near Sequim today I got enthusiastic waving from from a black 356 coupe headed in the opposite direction.

For sure 64 356C are pretty modern but when I drove a 58 356 it was like driving a Beetle and not that much fun.

Hi Marc , over the years I've had three 356s and one 914 - actually a 914/6 Tribute with 2.7 litre engine.....and a load of 911s .

I tried a 914 2litre with its original FI before opting for a 914/6 Tribute , it seemed to me that the 914 chassis could do with more power ( and more brakes to match ) to make it a better drivers car. The 2 litre 4 was nice enough but the sound and acceleration were lacking.

The simple answer to your comparison is that a 356 drives different to a 914 . It soaks up road bumps better . The seats are deeply upholstered and seem to be part of the suspension !
A 356 has 4 forward gears that are well spaced so you can make more use of first and second gear in town. The gear linkage is a bit more direct too !! - making gear change a bit more straightforward . Powerwise there are 3 levels of 356 power- 60,75,90 hp . The higher power makes it easier to go up hills or cruise at highish speed - say 80-90mph - if you try cruising at 100mph you will find the front end goes light and crosswinds are dangerous .
All models except the 356C ( made 1964-5) have drum brakes which stop Ok but if not properly adjusted will pull you to one side.
The 356Cs are as has been said are great driving cars , I currently run a pre A ( made in1955) which has been updated to disc brakes and a 912 engine .

Rust is big big issue , there is no hell hole like 914 but floor pans and longitudunal boxes rot out as well as the bits you can see like door bottoms and fenders and wheel arches etc .
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