The 914 - The Boxster of the '70s - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

Samson · 03-24-2009, 08:23 AM

Looking through some old C&Ds and thought some of you guys and girl(s) might find this interesting.

vincesf · 03-24-2009, 08:52 AM

How dare you. I owned a 914 in the 1970's and it was nothing like the Boxster. The 914 was a mid-engine Porsche that was a bit underpowered and purposely product-placed below the 911....hey wait a minute!
Kidding aside, the 914's have become more sought after in recent years, and the 914-6 is impossible to find at decent price. But be warned, if you drive a Boxster, it's a very different driving experience. A bit raw and slow in comparison, but nevertheless a great overall car.
vincesf

70Sixter · 03-24-2009, 12:44 PM

My 1970 911 was pretty crude compared to the 996/997. My Boxster has the soul of the 914 and, in my opinion, the same DNA. Just as the 996 arrived with the genetic markers of the 901, which had the 356's genes. And the Speedster reference is on the mark to my way of thinking.

You want to really feel connected to the road or track? Drive an older Porsche and you will understand the meaning of bloodlines and driving.

IMHO no other manufacturer can park his first car next to the latest and have a novice, non-car person see the lineage.

Okay maybe Morgan.

jmatta · 03-24-2009, 03:44 PM

My first Porsche was a 1974 914 SE (black/yellow); guess I'm showing my age. My older brother had a tangerine '69 911 S which was the ultimate to me, but I couldn't afford one, hence the 914. Yeah, the car was underpowered with the 2.0 liter four, but it was a great handler and a blast to drive.

Since that time, I've owned more 911's of various generation (including turbos)and currently own a modified '73 (sold a tricked out RS America for this one). I agree, the feel of the early cars is very difficult to replicate, but I also thoroughly enjoy driving the Box S.

pbanders · 03-25-2009, 07:31 AM

I have both a Boxster and a 914, which you can see at:

http://members.rennlist.com/pbanders

The two cars make for an interesting comparison. In day-to-day driving, I vastly prefer the Boxster. Modern cars offer much better driveability, performance, features, and safety. However, from time to time I crave the more visceral experience of driving a 914 or an early 911. The connection with the road is direct, the experience is immediate.

Samson · 03-25-2009, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbanders

I have both a Boxster and a 914, which you can see at:

http://members.rennlist.com/pbanders

Nice! I've yet to drive any Porsche older than, well, my '01. I'd really like to give a 914 a shot.

Sputter · 03-25-2009, 08:06 AM

The "bumblebee" scheme is the nicest colour combo, ever.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmatta

My first Porsche was a 1974 914 SE (black/yellow); guess I'm showing my age. My older brother had a tangerine '69 911 S which was the ultimate to me, but I couldn't afford one, hence the 914. Yeah, the car was underpowered with the 2.0 liter four, but it was a great handler and a blast to drive.

Since that time, I've owned more 911's of various generation (including turbos)and currently own a modified '73 (sold a tricked out RS America for this one). I agree, the feel of the early cars is very difficult to replicate, but I also thoroughly enjoy driving the Box S.

jmatta · 03-25-2009, 09:49 AM

pbanders...very nice looking 914. I'm glad to see survivors out there, as so many were just trashed.

My nephew had a '73 1.8 that had an immaculate interior, but the exterior was tired and needed work that he couldn't afford to do as a college student. I worked with him getting the car mechanically sound, but he ended up selling to someone who wanted to take on the additional work.