OT: 914 versus 911 Options

[andreic]

What would you take: a well sorted out 1972 914 1.7L with no rust and everything running perfectly, or a 1976 911S 2.7L with unknown history, but generally good appearance. (Nothing known on the history of the engine.)

I have the opportunity to trade, and am debating if getting into the 911 world is a nightmare waiting to happen. (I don't have thousands and thousands to spend on fixing lots of things up...)

Curious to hear people's opinions.

[Coondog]

911 all day long. Then backdate the bumpers...... (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

[Beebo Kanelle]

914 - There is no substitute.

[mepstein]

Value wise it’s the 911 all day long. There’s always been a strong market for the 911 vs 914. But you are the one who has to like what’s in your garage.

[PanelBilly]

Is this for a car to drive or an investment?

[horizontally-opposed]

Not enough information/would want to see pics of both.

"Price" favors the 911 all day long, but "value" is a funny thing. And the potential repair cost for that 911 engine is well in five figures should you need to address anything major.

On the other hand, you could probably still sell or even part out that 911 on your way back into another 914.

On a wholly different level: When it came to selling a really nice 911 SC coupe or selling my 914 in order to purchase a wedding ring, it was the SC that left the stable. Yes, it was worth more (and therefore more helpful in terms of $ while getting ready to get married), but even back then something felt more special to me about the 914. I felt like I would always be able to find another nice 911, but that I wouldn't be able to replace my 914. In the end, it comes down to the connection you have with your 914…but 914s feel more special to me now than they did back then. OTOH, 911s are very special things...and icons for a reason.

[Unobtanium-inc]

The 911 will be worth more but will also cost more to maintain. It really depends on what you want to drive. Personally a 914 is in some ways funner than a 70s 911, at least in autocross. So yes a better long term move because the 911 will continue to appreciate at a faster clip than the 914, but you are the one who will have to drive, insure, and maintain either car. A 911 is a bigger commitment and an unknown.

[Mark Henry]

Depends on the car, personally I'd keep the "rust free" 914 and build a 2.0 "fun engine."

I'm assuming the 911 is a targa, so both the 914 and 911 are the lowest value examples. Most of the car from a full on resto to regular daily driver maintenance it's about the same.
Engine is the big question, all /6 suffer a set of issues. Diving into a top end may not be too bad, but as soon as you split the case you're likely into $10K.
I'd definitely have a PPI on the engine condition.

[thelogo]

Let talk regular maintenance

911 maintence not cheap

914 /4 maintence dirt cheap

As explained to me by my mechanic ( nice guy )
when
He forbid me to get a /6 $$$$$



Shout out to the cheap sob

[dr914@autoatlanta.com]

the 74-77 911s were the WORST of the breed, the 964 being second. However the 72 914 is not the best of that breed either, and lets face it, the 911 is worth more.
I would have the engine leaked down (differential cylinder pressure test) and if the leakdown is good, make the trade.

What would you take: a well sorted out 1972 914 1.7L with no rust and everything running perfectly, or a 1976 911S 2.7L with unknown history, but generally good appearance. (Nothing known on the history of the engine.)

I have the opportunity to trade, and am debating if getting into the 911 world is a nightmare waiting to happen. (I don't have thousands and thousands to spend on fixing lots of things up...)

Curious to hear people's opinions.

[sb914]

Ask @larmo63

[Unobtanium-inc]

[quote name='dr914@autoatlanta.com' date='Feb 21 2020, 02:24 PM' post='2787945']
the 74-77 911s were the WORST of the breed, the 964 being second.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Yeah, but the mid-70's 911's are also 40+ years old, so all the problems they had as newer cars have all been dealt with by now. I would think most of the bad head studs have been taken care of in 40 years. It's like in 20 years someone out there will be bashing 996's, saying beware of the IMS.
Saying a 76 911 might be bad news in 1984 makes sense, in 2020 it looks out of touch.

[IronHillRestorations]

the 74-77 911s were the WORST of the breed, the 964 being second. However the 72 914 is not the best of that breed either, and lets face it, the 911 is worth more.

What's the matter with 964's? I love mine. I'm not in love with the bumpers but (IMHO) it's a much better car than model it replaced. Better engine, transmission, suspension, ventilation

[Ansbacher]

Let's see...Porsche built 1,049,000 911s so far and only 118,978 914s forever. The rare bird is always the more interesting- stay with the 914!

Ansbacher

[mepstein]

Ever since Singer used the 964 as a base, the prices have gone through the roof. Unless a customer wants a RS or RSR tribute, the builds all get 964/993 engines. I drove a beautiful RSA that could perform at the track but still get groceries. It’s not my dream car but I wouldn’t kick it out of the garage.

[Larmo63]

I love my 911. I loved all of my my 914s, especially the 6 conversion I built myself. I loved all of the 356s I owned and my 912s too. I may be buying a '69 912 sunroof soon. Basically, I have loved every Porsche I've ever owned, and the '78 SC Targa I have now is one incredible car. Life is short, variety is the spice of life. I'm glad I made the trade, and I don't really like to look back.

The factory Slate Gray 356 coupe I sold may be the exception. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/headbang.gif)

[billh1963]

[quote name='Unobtanium-inc' date='Feb 21 2020, 05:46 PM' post='2787953']
[quote name='dr914@autoatlanta.com' date='Feb 21 2020, 02:24 PM' post='2787945']
the 74-77 911s were the WORST of the breed, the 964 being second.
[/quote]
[/quote]

Yeah, but the mid-70's 911's are also 40+ years old, so all the problems they had as newer cars have all been dealt with by now. I would think most of the bad head studs have been taken care of in 40 years. It's like in 20 years someone out there will be bashing 996's, saying beware of the IMS.
Saying a 76 911 might be bad news in 1984 makes sense, in 2020 it looks out of touch.
[/quote]

Exactly. The mid-years (as the '74-'77 is called) have gained quite a following in the last couple of years. Narrow body like the early cars but later model bumpers (unfortunately) with some of the refinements.

I sold my three 3.2 Carrera's but kept my '76!

[RolinkHaus]

The essence of Porsche is the 911. I love the 914 because of its rebirth between VW and Porsche, such a beautiful legacy between the two companies. As a child my first memory of Porsche was hearing that flat6. Enuff said

Watch this video and you will quickly make your decision.

https://youtu.be/VBxaiNvYrcI

[johnlush]

Totally depends on the condition of the 911. Sounds like you know your 914 pretty well. I'd much rather have a nice '72 914 than a ratty mid-year 911. What's the motivation of the 911 owner to do the trade?

[eric9144]

Totally depends on the condition of the 911. Sounds like you know your 914 pretty well. I'd much rather have a nice '72 914 than a ratty mid-year 911. What's the motivation of the 911 owner to do the trade?

(IMG:style_emoticons/default/agree.gif)
I've had multiple 914s and a really awesome 6 along with an exceptional 84 911...like one the story's above when the time came, the 911 was sent on its way and I kept the 914 because I knew it would be harder to replace and honestly it was more endearing to me on many levels. The '76 911 was two years into big bumpers, catalysts and non-dipped bodies...the 2.7's pull studs, if the condition was unknown, I'd personally opt for the 914.

Really though its up to you and what you want to do with it!