what beats the handling of a 914

[flmont]

I always get in the coversation,...about the best handling sports car,...and always say its the 914,..as a stock setup from the factory I dont think they can be beaten,..other than thier lack of power,...I think they beat most any car I can think of...!!! and most dont even know what they are until I show them a picture,..!!!

[ASHSEIDL]

The only thing that can beat the handling a 914 is another 914 with a better driver

[mreid]

Cayman GTS.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Is this a serious question, or a rhetorical question? If it's a rhetorical question, ASHDEIDL has the right answer.

--DD

[The cap'n]

I'm guessing a 951S is pretty close, if not better.

The Cap'n

[The Glademister]

As a Boxster and Cayman owner I can say that any mid-engine Porsche is going to have outstanding handling. I'm hopeful that my 914 will meet or exceed those expectations.

[SKL1]

Closest thing to my 914's was my departed and loved Elise. Shoulda kept it. Closest thing to a NEW 914 with a bullet proof "Toyota" engine...

[flmont]

Well kinda serious DD for what the car is,..under power'd,...skinny stock tires in all I think its hard to beat...appels to apples of course, I mean in stock form and it can only improve with any mod,...but price per performance...cheap kinda super car.....???

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

If you're serious:

Most Lotuses. The early ones are lighter, and the newer ones are a similar weight with a better suspension.
The Miata. Better grip than the stock skinny tires on the 914, great shifting, better suspension, and not that much more weight.

There are more.... Mostly because suspension for street cars has come a long way since the 1960s when the 914's suspension was designed. And also because tires are tons better than tires from the early 70s.

--DD

[larrym]

Any Miata

[Nostril Cheese]

Caterham 7 or my buddy's Cayman R

[flmont]

Yea,...I knew Lotus would win,...But,.. I couldnt drive a Miata,... A 914 is a automatic classic and looks better than a miata hands down....I think.... FM

[larrym]

is here
914World.com > In what class is the 914 most competitive?

then go check out the scca solo class win lists

[Tobra]

Well set up 944

Miata is a different feel, but very, very competent handling. If you say you couldn't drive one, I say you have never driven one.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I think a "well set up" 914 will out-handle the "well set up" 944, myself. But there are many different types of "set up"... As well as a few different definitions of "handling".

--DD

[Tobra]

I know Dave, that is sort of the joke in OT, nothing beats a well set up 944

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

Ah, I don't frequent OT. It would just get my blood pressure up...

--DD

[The cap'n]

Betcha Britain Smith's 914 will beat just about any 944. Lotus suspension, Subie turbo motor, modded 915 gearbox.

Porsche 914 Racecar - 6speedonline.com Forums

The Cap'n

[Cairo94507]

My '01 Acura NSX was pretty darn close to my last Six.

[Tobra]

Thing about the 914 is it has a low polar moment. Not only is it mid engine, but the weight is concentrated between the front and rear wheels. This sort of pushes the limits of handlng up there, but if you go over the edge, you are probably not going to catch it.

A Miata is front-mid, with the motor behind the front wheels, and has pretty close to a 50:50 weight distribution, but is as different as night and day from a 914.

That said, a Caterham/Lotus 7 would be tough to beat. There is no replacement for light weight.