What year to own?
 

I have a chance to purchase a nice 914 from a guy, my question is: What is the most desirable year to own and drive? I am talking a 914 (no 6cylinder) I tried to do a search and came up with no help! Thanks in advance for any information you can give!:confused:

really depends on you style, I like the 72 early bumper cars with the 1.7. 73/74 with the 2.0 are not my cup of tea. Rot and neglect are you two biggest issues.

Having said that you need to really think about the car, its a Porsche with Porsche parts pricing, but low entry price. Also there are some quirks like the fuel pump fuse, and the injectors and idle set.

Fun car when they run right and you can build/maintain one on the cheap provided that you keep the cosmetics to a minimum.

thanks, a little more on this car,although I have not seen it yet! It is, according to the owner, Rust free,one owner,carb converted car( I believe he still has the Injection system) 1972 almost sounds too good! I'll post more when I can see it. Anymore responses would be greatly appreciated!

73 & 74 2.0s are the most popular & valuable next to the six. The 71-72 had a fixed passenger seat 1.7 enginge, 73 changed the passenger seat and offered a 2.0 option, the 74 added bumper pads to the chrome bumpers, 75-76 had the large black impact bumpers. Currently I have a 71, 73, 74 & 76:cool: Check out my other threads here for pix.

I would only look for a 73-74. Small bumpers, and they drive much better. Side shift transmission was a huge improvement for 1973. I have owned 7 914s. A 1971, 1972, 1974 1.8, 1973 2.0, 1975 2.0, 1975 1.8, and another 1971 1.7. The best of the bunch was the 1973 2.0. The 1973-74 914s are the best!

"73/74 with the 2.0 are not my cup of tea."
Why???

I love my '74 2.0 and have been resisting the necessity to sell it. It's too damn much fun to hop in it and go, but it's keeping me from paying attention to what needs doing on the /6.

Pay attention to cleaning up / maintaining the shift linkage, time spent on that pays big dividends. The tail shifter in my 1970 has been incredibly frustrating, and I'd say the difference between it and a cleaned-up side shifter is as big as between that and my 944S.

The best all around year is a73-74 with a 2.0 motor next is 73-74 1.7. both hold value well and handle great.

I second that!

73-74 ............. :)

'74 2.0 liter stainless steel heat exchangers.

Coincedentally my car happens to be all these things. haha... want to buy it? Its for sale. If you would like more info please PM me.

We need some 914 GT pictures!!! I think I will start a new thread :)!!

Must have Side shift transmission is my only vote. My buddies 72 had more play in gear than I have in neutral (75 model).

My 914 is having that fuel pump fuse issue. So I am now moving the fuel pump to the front under the tank. I hear it solves the vapor lock problem which I do have once in a while.

Why not 1975 or 1976 2.0?
 

According to Road Wiki the side shift transmission (914/12) was available on the 2.0 version of the cars from 1973 through 1976... if that is so, what makes the '73 and '74 better than the '75 or '76?

I am asking because I really like the copper color '75 appearance, but appearance should always be secondary to function. Were there other issues that detract from the '75 or '76 (other than the well known bumper changes, which I don't mind so much)?

Thanks, and what a cool site!

http://www.roadglue.com/wiki/index.p...4_transmission

[quote=snolan;2925284]According to Road Wiki the side shift transmission (914/12) was available on the 2.0 version of the cars from 1973 through 1976... if that is so, what makes the '73 and '74 better than the '75 or '76?

I am asking because I really like the copper color '75 appearance, but appearance should always be secondary to function. Were there other issues that detract from the '75 or '76 (other than the well known bumper changes, which I don't mind so much)?

The side shift transmission was used in all 914s from 1973-1976. The late model bumpers add weight to the cars and when you add weight to these cars, it really makes a difference. In California we stay away from '76 models because they still have to be smoged. Just buy the best one that you can afford and have fun with it, because they are great cars. Just know that the 73-74 will always be the most desirable. Good luck with your search.