[sammyg2]

I've driven many of the cars you listed, and a 911.
A 356 was not a balanced car. It was good for it's day but compared to modern cars it did not handle well. To really push it required a higher degree of skill than in a 911.
A 914's handling is waaaaay over-rated in stock form. Only a portion came with sway bars, they all had skinny tires (except for a few dozen or so), most didn't handle that well from the factory. With a little help they can be made to handle very well. I've had three.
924, balanced, under-powered, too much body lean for my taste, again tires were too skinny and tall.

911 - the tail happy reputation is basically an urban myth IMO. There is some truth to it but it is so blown out of proportion. When I first drove my car at the limit I was thinking, why isn't the tail trying to go out like everyone says it will? I've driven other 911s, each time wondering if this time the tail will go out on me, but it didn't.
It is simply a case of penis envy. A way for non-911 owners to talk smack about 911s because of jealousy, envy, resentment, whatever. Most people who don't own 911s enjoy saying negative things about 911s.

Now if you do something stupid like lift in a hard fast corner the weight balance will shift and lighten the rear and you will probably pay for that. But ... every car does that, the 911 just does it more. If you know howe to drive, you will be ready for it. You wil feel it, you will adjust for it, no magic, no reflexes. Just basic skills that anyone should posses if they are driving any Porsche.

If you drive a 911 at the limit, you will enjoy it. You will fall in love with it.