Which handles better, 914 or 912?
 

Today, I went to Sacramento by Amtrak (nice trip, I dont understand why we in this country dont use trains more; the train was practically empty, while the freeway seemed crowded). The reason of the trip was to pick up my new vintage 73 Porsche 914. Some 914s which I have seen are dogs, but this one, which I had examined carefully for rust last Saturday, was in good shape and with a healthy 1.7 liter motor and transmission with side shifter. The cosmetics are not too good, but at least there is no rust. For a long time I had been intrigued by the reputation of the 914 as a fun car. I just drove it this evening from Sacramento to Oakland and let me tell you that little devil handles great! Years ago I owned a tired 912 which I never restored the way I should have. So probably my comparison to the 914 drive tonight is not entirely fair, but I think the 914 is superior at least in the handling and stability department. For one, its dynamics are better, having the motor in the middle. Next, the whole car and its systems sit closer to the ground giving it more stability.
I still have my engine-less 67 912, and will decide whether to install a 911 engine in it or keep it stock in the next month or so (see my other posting).
Luis

The 914 is the best handling Porsche IMHO

Well I've never driven a 914 so I can't really say. However I have owned a Fiat X-1/9 (MidEngine) and I must say the handling was awesome.

I would assume a 914 would be even better considering it is a little lighter and has a lower CG.

There's a reason Formula 1 and Champ cars have their engines behind the driver. The 914 will simply change direction quicker than a 911 or 912. On the other side of that coin, because it will rotate quicker, it requires some getting used to at the limit. I imagine it would be real easy for a novice to get the car to come around when you don't want it to.

Actually I own and drive a 914 and they are definately excellent handlers. The ting is once you get to their limit (which is quite a bit) and start to slide all you can do is hold on since they are 50/50 balanced and all four tires will let go at once. On the plus side you don't end up looking the wrong way on the wrong side of the road, on the other hand you might end up in a ditch on the side of the road instead.