I really like the feel of a 914 as far as handling goes, I had a 1.7 that I absolutely hated it just had constant problems and every summer I could count on a few gremlins showing up. Then I sold it and went to a Light Blue 2.0 which had dual delortos and it was an absolute blast. The motor was pretty tweeked however it was slow again to any of the 911s I owned, and the worst part it always sounded like a Beetle and I guess I just couldn't get past that.

On the other hand, I like how they look and a well sorted 914 is a nice top of driver. Especially the 6. I was in a 3.2 powered 914 a while back and it was a blast !!

1.7s are slow
1.8s are still slow
2.0s are somewhat slow but are a good time to drive.!!

JW
just my 2cents!

I sold my 1975 914 2 weeks ago and it will be missed.....it was a fun car to drive on the twisties but a bit on the slow side.

I am a long time 911 driver and I bought a '71 914/6 a few years ago. It's been restored mechanically and the engine was bumped up to a 2.2 with E cams. It's a fun car but it's not in the same class as a 911. It's not particularly quick, although to be fair, a 2.2 liter 911 wouldn't be very exciting either. It doesn't seem to be as solid as a 911 and the driving position isn't great. The stock seats are terrible, the stock seat belts are a crime (dangerous, actually) the shift linkage is worthless (yes, mine has been converted to a side shifter and has all-new parts, still...) After years of driving injected cars, going back to carbs isn't much fun. It's hard to get them 100% right and keep them that way. I could go on...

Sometimes I ask myself why I keep the car and I gues the answer is because it has more of a vintage feel and is completely different to the other cars I own. It has some appreciation potential, though I doubt I'll ever get ahead of the maintenance bills. I would definitely spend some seat time in a 914 before even beginning to look for one. They aren't for everybody.

JR

Wife's fun car is a all stock '73 2.0 914, my is a '73 911 T Coupe, both cars are lots of fun. I spend more time with the 911 but when I drive the 914, I always walk away with the feeling that I could beat Louis Hamilton.............

They are go-carts that you can drive on the street. How much more fun can you have? Especially with a good Six powering your way!

T.C.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224077839.jpg

I would love to get a 914-6.......wish I had bought the one Scott sold last year......

>Beg to differ with the slow as fuch part.<
How many years now has a 914 taken TTOD at Porsche Parade?

Our 914, with it's 2.4T/CIS engine, is fast enough for me :D
Mid-Engine handling is awesome :D
And it is dumbfounding reliable :)
Gets great fuel economy :)

I've owned the 914 since 1985. Added the 2.4T/6 engine in 1987 (mainly for smog reasons). I drive it a lot, unless there is rain in the forecast. Rust is a major 914 problem, so avoiding rain and the drive-thru carwash is prudent. Most of my wrenching on the 914 is for regular and preventative maintaince. The only tow-able break down was due to a faulty ignition points rubbing block in the early '90s. I estimate the chassis has ~340K miles on it now. Its getting time to re-upholster(again) leather this time, and re-paint(again).

The 914 is not as powerful, torquey, solid, or as luxurious as our 911SC.
It is lighter, more neutral handling, a 'blast' to drive, and it sounds just as wonderful.

I LOVE 914's!!!

I love how balanced they are and how low they sit - like a go-cart!

I always remember that this was Hurley Heywood's favourite car to vintage race in - and he usually won! Of course his was a six cyl. version :D

I have a '72 with an updated 2.0 w/original FI and it FLIES! I also have a '72 with the original 1.7 and webers which is cosmetically challenged at the moment. I'm keeping the 2.0 and not sure on the 1.7 right now.
Here's the 1.7

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224082214.jpg

And here's the 2.0


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224082298.jpg

I owned this one but sadly sold it a few years ago as I really did not need 2 extra carshttp://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224082830.jpg

Rain? Rust?

I don't even wash mine. In fact, I seldom park it next to a water cooled car....

JR

I agree with that, I'd go a little further and say they aren't for most.

I owned a 1974 LE with the 2.0 In the fun to drive dept. The 914 win all the way on my 1984 Carrera...And I miss her a lot.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224087475.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224087485.jpg

My brother picked up a really nice white 73 with a 2.0 bored out to 2.4.

One owner car, all records including a book dating every time the car was waxed, washed, mileage driven etc.

Body is actually rust free, original battery tray, chrome looks like new.
Not having undercoating helped.

Now your probably going to flip on this:

He yanked out the motor since it was burning too much oil (only 1,000 miles since rebuild) from a botched rebuild. It has been corrected and is now in his friends 914 track toy.

The new motor is now a new factory crate VW TD transplant - non electronic like the newer TDI engines. Already hooked up and finishing up with the throttle connections and fuel lines.

Hopes to get 50 MPG, quieter ride, real A/C and decent power.

914 6 GT turbo Carrera
 

I have a 3.12 turbo ( 70.4 x 97 ) powered 914.

All i can say is it is Fun, Fun, Fun.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224087875.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224087984.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224088009.jpg

Sorry, your post read to me as "I have always wanted one but I don't have room for three". Not meaning to offend.
People will ask me how many 914s do I have to keep that one running. I took your statement to be in that category.

Oh no, I wouldn't store multiple 914s to keep one running. It doesn't make sense. Like you, I don't see the point of having multiple parts cars around for a car that can be picked up for less than $4k in nice shape and relatively rust free (at least here in Texas) unless you run a junk yard.

Man Syl... that's a beautious LE/Bumblebee/Can-Am. :wub:

Haaaa...Don't tell me that...I have some regrets...sniff...sniff...:(

Gotta say I love my '71 914. The handling is incredible. The thing handles so well, it puts my well set-up 911 to shame. Enjoy the open top, and not being tailgated by Yahoos like when driving the 911. The young kids think its cool, but don't have a clue what it is - which is fun. I added a full Elephant Street-Race I suspension and became an Elephant faithful. It has a 2.0, side shift, Webbers, Bursch exhaust, excellent interior, and will run just fine in the twisties with 996s and 7s - I just can't keep up in the straights! I think the car is a blast to drive and have had zero break down issues - but then I am a maintenance fanatic.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224104802.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224104817.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1224104835.jpg

Eddy (woof!) is the model, and Eddy says, "If you haven't driven a well set-up 914, then you just haven't driven" (wag, wag)

Man... you shouldn't have let that one go. :D : poke :

(Sorry... there's a bit of evil in me) SmileWavy