A TMJ reader recently requested my view of the Porsche 914 versus the 912. We (my family) have owned a couple of each of these cars. Classic Porsche cars are both a joy and a challenge to own. In this writeup I’ll try to highlight key facts that would help a prospective buyer make their decision as well as some personal experiences with each car.

Interestingly both of these cars have been regarded as “The Poor Mans Porsche” at some point in time. However, I believe that the people at Porsche knew exactly what they were doing when giving the go-ahead for production of the 914 and 912. Although each model was produced for different reasons they both achieved similar results in boosting needed sales for Porsche. They both were very popular and brought smiles to drivers around the world.

First let me start with the specs for a recent 914 and 912 that we’ve owned.

1975 914 1.8
Stock, Very dry car (rust free), original interior and exterior, original motor with 50k miles. My father was the 3rd owner. It was very well maintained and lovingly owned from new.
Purchase price: $3500 in fall of 2008
Sell Price: $6000 early 2009

914 shown here the day we drove it home

1969 912
Period tuned car (upgrades/modifications were from the early 70’s along with factory options), Very dry car (rust free), interior was partially redone to original as needed, repainted in the 80’s, factory replacement motor with larger pistons and cylinder kit, Deep Six Fuchs Wheels, factory lowered/tuned suspension with original early anti sway bar, cd player.
Purchase price: $11,000 in January of 2007
Sell price: $16,800 fall of 2009

912 Shown here with replica wheels (not Fuchs)

Why They Did It?

• The 912 was created as a liaison between the 356 and the new 911. Many previous 356 owners were dead set on the reliability and ease of maintenance of that little 4 cylinder but wanted something new in terms of driving experience. Porsche realized the pricing of the 911 was a stumbling block in its early years thus deciding to stick the latest versions of there 356’s 4 cylinder motors into the new 911 body. Sales figures were nearly double for the 912 versus the 911. Many claim it kept Porsche afloat during the 1965-1968 period. The driving experience was fantastic as well. Hot-rodded 912’s could outrun a 911 in the turns and they were a “hoot” to drive!
• The 914 was created as an entry level Porsche when the original 912’s (1965-1969) were phased out. The 914 was to be originally badged and sold as a VW but at the last minute Porsche decided to keep it in their line. Many purists were disgusted at the site and idea of a collaboration with VW. On the other hand, many enthusiasts who couldn’t afford the now popular 911 were excited to be able to purchase something with the Porsche name. The 914 was a blast to drive and felt like no other Porsche to date. It was a success.

Video of the 914 Driving

Experience

• 912- Owning a 912 was and is a great joy. As with any vintage car, in my opinion it’s best to learn to do your own work or join up with a group of enthusiasts who do their own work. Looking back, the frustrating part of my ownership was when I brought my car to “mechanics” (guys who work on cars for a living). Using the 912bbs.org was the most useful tool I had in my toolbox! The guys there are awesome.

  The drive of a 912 is light and nimble. The balance is amazing with the rear engine layout. With the upgraded anti-sway bar, lowered suspension and deep six Fuchs my car handled amazingly well. Add the 1969 lengthening of the wheel base and you’ve got the perfect balance of Sport and Touring in one package. The 912 feels safe (as far as vintage sports cars go) and sturdy. I drove mine across the USA 3 times.  The car is a 2+2 set up. The 2 rear seats fit a child up to around 8 years old.

  

  It’s reliable. With any old car I’ve had I keep an old “Porsche Travel Kit” inside the bonnet. It consists of special wrenches, gaskets, filters, wire, electrical tape/duct tape, sand paper, plugs, points, a belt, valve adjustment tools, gas hose, oil lines, etc. Oops almost forgot- OIL! You know what they say, “If it’s not dripping you better add some!!!” 912’s are known to use oil.

  One thing that’s a must: Learn how to clean your carbs! It can happen anywhere at anytime. A jet gets plugged and you feel like you just burned a valve in the motor. Not to worry. Just click at that link and you’ll be fine.
  
  Parts for the 912 are pretty much expensive. You share everything but the motor with a 911 and early 911’s are spendy. Interior bits, body panels to transmission it’s all pricey. If you can find an early parts car you’re in heaven. I collected alot of odds and ends off of parts cars over the years. Things that break like window cranks (get loose), door handles, door pockets, seat knobs come off, dash knobs dissappear. You get the idea.

  Overall the 912 is a wonderful car to own. Find a nice one. I still see nice ones for sale for around the $10k mark.

• 914- Like the 912, the 914 begs of an owner who can turn a wrench. It’s just better that way. You become intimate with your car. The 914 is a mid-engined sports car. Maintenance on the 914 is similar to that of the 912 in regard to what gets done. However the 914 engine is tricky to get at. The engine lid is small at the top side and the bottom doesn’t give much space either. I know many owners have a certain way of jacking the car and dropping the engine that makes it a breeze.Engine Access Shown Here!
  

  912 Engine Access shown here
  
  The driving characteristics of the 914, in my opinion, are completely different than the 912. In a 914 you’re low, really low. It’s go-kart like handling and feel is a rush. Most women that ride in the car “Feel unsafe” due to it’s tinny sounding doors, it’s low seating and tight cockpit. Most guys that ride in it, love it. Once they drive it, they’re sold. It has a Targa top making it a fun summer, sun, open-air cruiser for two. The 912 allowed my two kids to hop in the back for a run to the ice cream shoppe. Not gonna happen in the 914!

  

  The tranny in the 914 seems to be prone to a 1st gear downshift problem. Although most Porsche’s don’t like 1st gear downshifts anyways. I remember it being a bit more notchy than the 912’s or 911’s. The flat or pancake motor (horizontal fan pulley) based on a VW bus platform performs reliably and has great power to move the little car. Once you get the shifting figured out, the car is a joy to drive. Our particular 1.8 was fuel injected which is usually removed at some point in the 914’s life. When the FI is working, it’s a great setup.

  

  The 914’s brakes are known as a trouble spot. Upgrades can be done to much more reliable BMW braking setups. From memory, these aren’t too spendy either.

One of my favorite videos of P-car history in action

Both cars are great Porsche cars to own. I once had a gentleman pull up next to me in the 912 at a stoplight and say “You’ll never go wrong with a 912″. It was perfect timing as I had been struggling with carb issues! Perhaps he was an Angel sent by the Porsche Gods to reassure me that everything was going to be okay… The 914 grabs just as much attention. People love them.

The 914 is probably, overall less expensive to own. Initial purchase price of a 914 versus a 912 in the same condition will be considerably less. Parts are not nearly as expensive for 914’s and there are a plethora of parts cars available just about anywhere in the US. I can think of a 914 just 10 miles from my house. I don’t know where the nearest 912 would be! Both cars will bring a smile to your face.

As for our purchase and resale prices. We got lucky. I remember waiting for 3 months on the 914, hoping it would still be available when my dad finally pulled the trigger. Word started floating around about it in the PCA circle and I told my dad, you gotta buy it before it’s gone. You won’t own a 914 that nice for that price again!!! I always try to make sound buying and selling decisions with classic Porsche cars. I usually figure I would lose a little on each one but just love owning them. On my 912 I lost about $1,000 but gained about 30 years of P-Car wisdom! I’ll never bring another Porsche to a mechanic. I have the resources and courage to do my own work.

The Verdict: If you’re shopping, Use my buying guideline here. Be patient. If you found this an interesting read please let me know below! As for the cars, they are two great and still semi-affordable Porsches that I believe are and will continue to appreciate in value in coming years.

Happy Motoring~