Driving a 356

johnvan8 · 02-06-2004, 03:13 PM

Hi all,
I have a question: how would you compare a 1960 356 coupe to an early 912 ('66) in terms of driving sensation? The reason I'm asking is I've been looking to buy an early 912 and just as I get ready to pull the trigger, the seller mentions he's also selling his '60 356 coupe for just a bit more $!
Now I've always loved the looks of the 356 but have always thought them to be out of my price range; now that I can actually afford one, I'm all confused!
What I want out of the 912 was a clean driver that is not maintenance intensive (like early 911s); performance is not so important (that's why I don't need a 911), reliability is.
So those out there who are familiar with both cars, please give me your opinions. Here are my choices:
Really clean '66 912 for $7500 or equally clean 356 coupe (with 68 912 motor converted to 12 volt) for $9500. Both have minimal rust.
Thanks

sixbanger · 02-07-2004, 07:11 AM

I'd buy the 912.The 356B i don't think has much demand.Now a 356 A or C might be worth it.

The 912 will have a better ride and it's a factory 12v.
I've nevcer owned a 912 either so maybe thats why I'd go with the 912.

I have a 356A and a 356 SC,A 911,9146(Factory) and two 944's.

johnvan8 · 02-07-2004, 08:20 AM

Thanks Sixbanger. Now (briefly) what makes a 356A more desirable than a 356B? I'm new to 356 and am trying to get educated here... Is it cosmetic or mechanical?
Thanks

sixbanger · 02-07-2004, 04:04 PM

I'm not realy sure why.Although the 356C has disc brakes and You could get a bigger engine.
The A may be the age and look.The pre A's are realy taking off.
Plus the used parts are not cheep and are few and far.
I once passed on a 54 speedster that I kick myself for every day.

You should check out 356registry.org
You can get all kind of things answered there.

Do you take Execellence?

michael65 · 02-09-2004, 09:44 AM

I have a 356A and an early 911. Both are a blast to drive for different reasons. The 356 has about 70 less HP than the 911 but it is still fun to drive. It`s a case of "less is more". If you want style go for the 356. A 912 will be a good solid driver and it`s a bit more modern as far as comfort goes. But at the end of the day it`s a 911 with a 356 engine. The 356 B & C cars are very easy to maintain and the parts are not as expensive as those of A or Pre-A cars.

Cheers.
Michael

id10t · 02-09-2004, 06:33 PM

"its like warm apple pie" ...

Actually, I've not driven a 912, but I imagine a 356 would be "better" - lighter weight car for esentially the same engine (c/sc vs. 912).

The 356 Registry is definately the place to learn about 'em though.

Fidalgo911S · 02-10-2004, 03:16 PM

I own a 912 and have driven a few 356's (A/B/& C models to include speedsters, coupes, and cab's). I bought the 912 for the reliance of the pushrod four but with the 'modern' upgrades associated with the 912.

356's are fun and beautiful, no doubt, and a nice one is something to behold. Both are easy to maintain but I think the 912 handles better, has better visibility, better brakes (4-wheel disc), better electrics (12V), and costs less in initial purchase.

For a daily driver, get the 912. My opinion only.

Christian · 02-16-2004, 09:50 PM

The 60' B (Internal designation T-5) is less desirable because it's a transition year and many people thought it was a misfit. The newer the 356, the more improved they became with 65' generally being the most sought after. I have a 63' T-6 B which I wouldn't trade for the world. It's all a matter of preference (I also have a 1970 911). I have noticed the prices of 912's climbing into the 10,000 range so I would go with personal preference. Ask the guy selling if you can take each one for an hour. If you have kids, the 912 has more room in the backseats. Happy decision making!

912UK · 912UK's Garage

I have all of them :-) I love the look and the Pre-A I bought mine 4 years ago in the states and it's a great car. But for jump in and drive the 912 is great for that what is even better is the 912E drop the motor out and put in 2.2 P/B set and you have a real nice drive. I have been in a 912 with a 2.4 in it and it is nice and smooth. ANy way classics I think the B is a great car and if you geta nice one for the right money I think times will change and you will be sitting preaty. As for the A yes very nice I like them but theyare going up in value. Pre-A well you need to have loads of cash or loads of time to sort out a nice one. Speedster forget it. see above. 356 C is in my eyes as close to the 912 as it gets both almost about in the same time and theC has loads of nice buts on it.

Tough one. I think for a married car buff with two kids then is the the 912.
good luck

do let us know where the B is if you don't want it
Mark

jase007 · jase007's Garage

Fun choices ...

I would go with the 356. I have ridden / driven street / track versions of both and currently have a track '62 356B T-6. Loads of fun!. Both would qualify for vintage events so that doesn't really help much. I agree, more room for the kids in the 912.

But, it is a good pice to get into a "tub" if it is clean. Their value will go up sooner than later.

Jason