Anyone here own a 914? How would it compare to my 84 944, in terms of handling, maintenance costs, price of parts, major problems (transmission,clutch, head gaskets etc..), reliability.
I was thinking of downgrading to a 914

Opinions?
Mike
84 944

 

dude, you don't want to do that!

seriously, i think personally it would be a bad decision. trading a relatively modern car with creature comforts and better handling for an older car. is this your daily driver? then i would stay with the 944.

if this is a weekend fun car or a racer, then a 914 would allow more experimentation and creature comforts may not be so important. i had a 66 911 at one time that i was considering turning into my daily driver, but i sure am glad i didn't!! i need heating, a/c, and reliability! (this car was kind of a heap to begin with)

 

Meh. Just own one of each. That's my solution.

BB.

 

Now THAT sounds like a plan...

 

i have considered also. Unless its a 2.0, I wouldnt consider b/c the smaller engines are pretty weak.

They are fun and light cars and I would love to have one for AUTO-X, but nothing more. As far as a daily driver the 944 is much much much better.

here is a thing to consider however: get a 914 cheap enough that you can drop in a rebuilt engine, or perhaps even an engine swap?

One more thing to consider.....is do you remember the excellence w/ the 914 that had a 924 turbo on it? She was a beast

 

That guy that turbocharged that 914 is my hero. I would love to see it in person.

 

I've been sporadically looking at adding a 914 to my fleet because I have wanted one since before I had my driver's license. I'm not an expert on them, but from what I've seen, their biggest problem is that they are breeding grounds for tin worm, especially around the battery tray and the suspension mounts underneath said tray.

Also, their fuel injection (D-Jetronic, I think) is supposedly tricky to work on, which leads to many of the carburetor swaps. Many people say to stay away from the carb'd cars because the carbs aren't as good as the FI, and because installing them is an indicator that the people aren't willing to put the proper effort into the car if they simply swapped out the FI. Those are valid points, although I'm not sure how significant they really are. But depending on where you live, it could be a problem for other reasons... I found a nice 914 for sale cheap, and was really into it until I realized that it's carbs would keep it from passing VA emissions.

Aside from that, I think most of the problems you'd have are related to the car's age.

And if you haven't already, ask the 914 forum.

BB.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Mike 944:
<strong>
I was thinking of downgrading to a 914

Opinions?
Mike
84 944</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Downgrading?

Not hardly! They are great little cars. They are a totally different machines though. Both have there plus' and minus'. Do a search, plenty of people have asked the question before, including myself.

My next Porsche will probably be a 914.

 

I have both and love both. I have used the 914 to commute for many years and have had no problems. Parts are much cheaper for the 914. No a/c can be a bear but you learn to cope. Overall however, a 914 is no less comfortable than a 944. If you buy a 914 buy a rustfree example and have it ziebarted right now as these cars rusted horribly. The handling of a 914 will blow you away and the car will get 35 mpg if the FI is working properly. As omeone suggested own both if at all possible.

 

When I was searching for my Porsche, before I decided on a 944, I looked at many 914's. I love that little car!

If you plan on keeping the car stock, then yes: a 2.0 engine is best, and get one with the fuel pump located in the front (prevents vapor lock: stock location on '75-76 cars, but many older cars were upgraded). Also: from '73 on, the tranny was a newer design (side shifter). The older, trail shifters were vague at best.

If you plan on modifing a Porsche, IMHO, the 914 is one of the best cars to mod! Why? A 3.2 or 3.6 Carrera engine will fit very nicely into the engine compartment. So you have a very light, mid-eninged HIGH HP car! 'Nuff Said!!

-Z.

 

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Z-man:
<strong>
If you plan on modifing a Porsche, IMHO, the 914 is one of the best cars to mod! Why? A 3.2 or 3.6 Carrera engine will fit very nicely into the engine compartment. So you have a very light, mid-eninged HIGH HP car! 'Nuff Said!!

-Z.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">So does a chevy V8!

 

Someone put a turbo'd 3.8 from a Buick Grand National in a 914. That's gotta be fun!

BB.