Not your average 912

[matt930s]

1967 Porsche 912 | eBay

[1979-930]

My son and I were at a Euro Sunday car event this past Sunday. There was a beautiful 1966 912, Silver with Black interior, there. My son tells me, "I like this car. It looks like something James Bond would drive." I chuckled and pointed out it was 912 and explained they are a 4 cylinder. "Oh,James Bond would never drive something this slow."

[matt930s]

1965 Porsche 912 | eBay

[Puma]

I disagree with blanket statements regarding the 912 being slow. I feel that it's the context of where and how a car is driven that determines whether it's good or not. Where I live a 912 is most appropriate, ultra twisty mountain roads are where the 912 shines above all others. If I lived in a city with constant heavy traffic a PDK car would be best, if I lived where the roads are flat and straight a turbo would be fun.

Topography, density, and intended use are key factors.

Frankly, I'm quite happy I ended up with a 912, it's really the best car for me. I don't care about parking lot bragging rights about horsepower. Lighter is better. I don't live near the autobahn, I live in the USA where I'm required to drive like a moderately sane person. I'm not going to race kids on the street. I don't drive a particular car to get attention, I have a "personality" for that. I love that the 912 gets fantastic mpg even when driven hard. A simpler engine is better from a financial, economical, and labor viewpoint. How often does a 911 owner really get to drive their car to the limit? With a 912 I get to drive at the limit everyday, everywhere. See? Fun!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

Originally Posted by Puma

See? Fun!

Uhhhh, no!

Turbo powaaaa' only!


All joking aside, it's definitely interesting to see peoples differing interests in cars. For example, a light weight but little powered machine does nothing for me (I've owned cars like that), I have no interest in driving a car to its limits on public roads, and I don't care about MPG in a sports car. I do love engine power, though, even if it is used rarely while driving.

[1979-930]

I tried the small economical car route once in my early 20's when gas prices spiked to $2.00 a gallon... The first trip down the highway when I lost 3MPH every time the AC compressor cycled was all it took. The car was sold in less than a month.

Plus I'm fully aware of my insecurity and need to over compensate with my high HP "look at me" cars.

[NYNick]

Originally Posted by Puma

I disagree with blanket statements regarding the 912 being slow. I feel that it's the context of where and how a car is driven that determines whether it's good or not. Where I live a 912 is most appropriate, ultra twisty mountain roads are where the 912 shines above all others. If I lived in a city with constant heavy traffic a PDK car would be best, if I lived where the roads are flat and straight a turbo would be fun.

Topography, density, and intended use are key factors.

Frankly, I'm quite happy I ended up with a 912, it's really the best car for me. I don't care about parking lot bragging rights about horsepower. Lighter is better. I don't live near the autobahn, I live in the USA where I'm required to drive like a moderately sane person. I'm not going to race kids on the street. I don't drive a particular car to get attention, I have a "personality" for that. I love that the 912 gets fantastic mpg even when driven hard. A simpler engine is better from a financial, economical, and labor viewpoint. How often does a 911 owner really get to drive their car to the limit? With a 912 I get to drive at the limit everyday, everywhere. See? Fun!

"...above all others..."? Ah, well no, not really. I believe the same year 911 would outshine it everyday on those ultra twisty mountain roads.

Don't get me wrong...I've owned 2. Great little cars, simple, fun, great in the twisties, good gas mileage blah blah blah. But I WANTED a 911 the whole time I had them. It's the same car (almost), just much, much better, and, oh yeah, much more money (for good reason).

Your final point is your best point. It's the best car for you. That's all anyone really needs to hear. Good for you.

As for Rawknees...seriously Mr Turbo, have you ever driven an early Miata? Some of the best fun anywhere...and no Turbo!

[Rawknees'Turbo]

SickNick, I would probably cut an arm off before I would be seen sitting in a Miata, much less drive one!!!

[NYNick]

Well, you're limiting your perspective my friend. Really fun car to drive.

[matt930s]

Originally Posted by NYNick

"...above all others..."? Ah, well no, not really. I believe the same year 911 would outshine it everyday on those ultra twisty mountain roads.

Don't get me wrong...I've owned 2. Great little cars, simple, fun, great in the twisties, good gas mileage blah blah blah. But I WANTED a 911 the whole time I had them. It's the same car (almost), just much, much better, and, oh yeah, much more money (for good reason).

Your final point is your best point. It's the best car for you. That's all anyone really needs to hear. Good for you.

As for Rawknees...seriously Mr Turbo, have you ever driven an early Miata? Some of the best fun anywhere...and no Turbo!

Although not a 91/2, this is my fav video about having just the right amount of power for purpose...

http://youtu.be/8iQjTZvRWmg

There wasn't a ton of difference between the 67 911 T (110hp) and the 67 912 (90hp)...in fact the 912 was prob the better choice. Obviously going up the HP food chain there isn't a comparison, but a well sorted and driven 912 in the twisties is a blast.

And really, a Honda Odessey (0-60 in 7 sec) smokes most of these cars nowadays...

MattR

[Rick Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by matt930s

There wasn't a ton of difference between the 67 911 T (110hp) and the 67 912 (90hp)...in fact the 912 was prob the better choice. Obviously going up the HP food chain there isn't a comparison, but a well sorted and driven 912 in the twisties is a blast.

And really, a Honda Odessey (0-60 in 7 sec) smokes most of these cars nowadays...

MattR

Serious question: an odissey vs a 67 911T, on a short tight track like shenandoah or NJ Thunderbolt, same driver and tires, who wins?

[matt930s]

[NYNick]

Let's all try to remember why the 912 model was actually made, shall we?

There was an outcry about losing the 356 and it's dead reliable 4 cylinder engine. The customers were up in arms about the 'new' design with it's fancy pants 6 cylinder. The factory was already making 911 bodies. They had left over 356 engines. Hmm, what should we do?

The 912 was born, and didn't live that long for that matter. Why?

I rest my case.

[Matt Monson]

Originally Posted by NYNick

Let's all try to remember why the 912 model was actually made, shall we?

There was an outcry about losing the 356 and it's dead reliable 4 cylinder engine. The customers were up in arms about the 'new' design with it's fancy pants 6 cylinder. The factory was already making 911 bodies. They had left over 356 engines. Hmm, what should we do?

The 912 was born, and didn't live that long for that matter. Why?

I rest my case.

Yep. The 912 wasn't an imitation of anything. It was a marketing segue.

[anng]

$600K was a great price for this car. I don't understand why the owner didn't sell the car that time. I think everyone will agree with me that $895K should not be the selling price for this one.

[1979-930]

I'm so far financially from understanding a $600k or $875k car value because its 1 of 4 or 1 of 2. I could purchase several dream cars with that amount of money.
If I had it to spend on cars.

[Puma]

Originally Posted by matt930s

Although not a 91/2, this is my fav video about having just the right amount of power for purpose...

http://youtu.be/8iQjTZvRWmg

There wasn't a ton of difference between the 67 911 T (110hp) and the 67 912 (90hp)...in fact the 912 was prob the better choice. Obviously going up the HP food chain there isn't a comparison, but a well sorted and driven 912 in the twisties is a blast.

And really, a Honda Odessey (0-60 in 7 sec) smokes most of these cars nowadays...

MattR

I really liked that video. Thanks for posting!

[matt930s]

Originally Posted by Puma

I really liked that video. Thanks for posting!

NP...really cool isn't it? Also check out this 912 Black Sheep vid:

http://youtu.be/cNfmcIHpsH8

Btw, I'm getting Rinnie and pnutz this watch for Christmas:

[Rawknees'Turbo]

^^^

Phat, while your gift giving spirit definitely creates a warm fuzzy, I think such a token would be more appreciated by someone like Puma, and other 912 fanboyz that post here from time to time, who actually enjoy cars with rates of acceleration that can be measured with wall calendars!

[Puma]

Originally Posted by Rawknees'Turbo

^^^

Phat, while your gift giving spirit definitely creates a warm fuzzy, I think such a token would be more appreciated by someone like Puma, and other 912 fanboyz that post here from time to time, who actually enjoy cars with rates of acceleration that can be measured with wall calendars!

A wall calendar sounds more convenient, I've been using a sundial.