[RSBob]

Thank you for posting.

It unfortunately confirms what I have always thought, even by drunks. Case in point, my wife drove our 914 to the local tavern where they have the absolute best cheeseburgers in the county. The tavern is a local hang out for the local biker/Harley set. They are very benign, but love to use the F word in all its splender all the time. I find it more humorous than anything.

Carol forgot to turn off the parking lights, when we parked around the corner, not visible from the tavern. A nice guy came in asking, "Does any one here own a Porsche? If you do, your lights are on." One of the bikers next to me immediately piped up, "I HATE PORSCHES". Needless to say I was a little surprised. I figured the alcohol was doing the talking, but the basic truth was there. Better translated: I HATE PORSCHE OWNERS. I doubt he was commenting on the abilities of the car. Who knows what this guy is all about, or if he was an abused child or lost several million dollars in the stock market - he was still very vehement, probably thinking the car was a 911 or a 911 derivative. I know one guy doesn't make a movement, but no one there disagreed with him either.

When I drive the 911 I am tailgated about 50% more than when driving the 914 even though it has a modified circa 74-78 911 PORSCHE red panel between the tail lights. (I also darkened the panel so PORSCHE doesn't scream out, but it is still there for all to read.

I certainly feel less self-conscious in the 914, probably because fewer people know what it is. I have to say that I love the exhileration of driving the 911, but really enjoy the anonyminity of the 914. Which means one thing - I need to hot rod the 914 so I get the same thrill.

But the A-hole factor stereotype is definitely alive and well. The more we can do to help lessen the image by driving responsibly when around others, the better.