Quote:
Originally posted by sketchers356
As per 914,
True it is one of the fugliest cars ever produced, but in terms of Porsche heritage I feel that it is ahead. Ok first I consider the 356 as THE Porsche. The quality that the 356 had: Lightweight, handling over power, reliability, and "cheap" perhaps even "quirkyness". In my opinion the 914 has those qualities better even than the 356 God (although we all know who has the beauty in that relationship). While it is true that the 911 is the ultimate for some reason there is no better feeling than a 4 cylinder "VW" like the 356,550,and I will add the 914 even though it does not have the pedigree beating V12 Ferraris. Doing that with the 911 is somehow not quite as epic (although it is still always amazing how the 911 is the only 6 cylinder car in GT racing, nevermind the best car in GT racing).
Older Water coolers,
The 928 is a true Porsche. And the 924 evolution was a good idea by Porsche again. However, from my experience these are the guys who lust after the water-cooled 911s. Usually have no idea what Porsche means, just want the prestige, yet have no money for a 996/Boxster. It is a shame that it is that way. 914 owners have to be more hardcore than these guys so they normally know the history.
|
As the owner of a 'teener and a 951 currently:
On the 'teener: Fun little go-cart. Especially with a lightly hopped-up engine (still BOSCH D-Jet EFI) and a '78 911 front suspension. Turn-in is instantaneous and the steering is so wonderfully communicative that it feels like holding a tie rod in each hand. I have never been able to get the car to do anything truly "dangerous". It's a great little sportscar, like an MG or a Triumph except that the electronics work, it's weathertight, and the chassis design doesn't date back to horse-and-buggy days. Ugly? Depends. Most people think so and that's fine. For some reason I've always liked 'em though, and besides, I drive it because it always leaves a smile on my face with its minimalism.
On the 951: If it's not a Porsche, then it's the best damn Audi ever built.
It doesn't look original since the shape was copied by almost every late 70's and 80's sportscar (blatantly so in the case of the RX-7) but again, who cares? The driving feeling cannot be imitated, turn-in isn't as fast as the 'teener with all the weight at the ends of the car, but the balance is perfect and it can be coaxed into just enough oversteer. As for lusting after a water-cooled 911, no thanks. The 951 borders on too civilised as it is. The holy grail for me would be the Ruf "Yellow Bird" (1987 Ruf CTR), but a nice 1993 Turbo 3.6 (last of the RWD 911 Turbos) would be fun too. The purist in me can't help but know that I'd end up bypassing both for a 930 Turbo though. It just has more soul.
Wave to me or don't, I'm enjoying myself driving.
