The Porsche 914 was the result of a collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen (VW), and it was first introduced at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 1969. It was a middle-class sports car, which meant that the engine was installed directly behind the passenger seat, a solution that promotes handling and flexibility through optimal weight distribution. This arrangement is allowed in a double place with a removable Targa fiberglass top glass, which, after removal, can be stored in one of the two luggage compartments, at the back. Two storage spaces were very necessary, since the seating area was strictly dedicated to passengers. The interior decoration was pretty basic. Overall dimensions were compact, with a sloping front, which included pop-up lights, controlled by two electric motors. The design did not like it, and it drew criticism and the press.
The VW-Porsche 914, since the car was officially named, was available in two versions: "914" (also called 914/4) and "914/6" (which means 6-cylinder). The 914 was equipped with a 1.7-liter (1.679 cc), air-cooled 4-cylinder engine made from VW 411E. In 914/6, the same 2.0-liter (1.991 cubic cm), 6-cylinder, air-cooled, flat Porsche engine, which was originally installed on the Porsche 911T, was installed instead. The VW engine, equipped with a Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system, produced 80 hp. at 4900 rpm, and the Porsche block, equipped with Weber carburetors, produced 110 hp at 5800 rpm Both cars were equipped with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard (“shift with a dog leg” with the first gear left and rear). The two cars had the same independent suspension. The 914s were equipped with solid disc brakes around, but in 914/6 the front discs were ventilated. In the great 1970s style, the 914s were often painted in a bold, bright color, including yellow, orange, and green.
On the road, 914/6 was clearly the best performer, providing stronger acceleration and a top speed of 201 km / h (125 mph) versus 177 km / h (110 mph) 914 years. However, a more economical 914/4 sold better than 914/6, but only when maximizing the name of Porsche. In fact, the 914 marketing was not the same worldwide. 914 was sold as a VW-Porsche and sold through Volkswagen dealers everywhere, except in the United States, where it was sold as a Porsche and was sold only to Porsche dealers. The European 914s wore the VW-Porsche logo in the back, next to the model number ("914" or "914-6"), while the American 914th displayed only the model number on the back. The American model also had the inscription "Porsche" through the grille of the engine cover. Regardless of where it was sold, the 914 had no Porsche crest on its hood. It is obvious that presented exclusively as a Porsche was useful for the image of the 914, which sold particularly well in the US (about 70% of 914 products were sold here).
Although 914/6 was not found, the best performer, its sales were not satisfactory. Its price was too high for an entry-level sports car. As a result, its production was discontinued in 1972.
In 1973, when 914/6 left, a new version was introduced in addition to the “base” 1.7-liter 914: 914 2.0-liter. This new model was equipped with a 1.971 cc engine. See, received from the Volkswagen unit. He produced 100 hp (US version with 95 hp). 914 2.0 was particularly welcomed in the United States, given that due to local emission requirements, power on the 1.7-liter 914 was reduced to 72 hp. In addition, in 1973, communication with the gearbox, which was often criticized, was improved by the introduction of a side switch.
For the model year of 1974, the 1.7-liter engine was increased to 1.8 liters (1,795 cub. Cm). In addition, both 914s are now equipped with front and rear bumpers with protruding rubber fences that can withstand shocks at speeds of up to 8 km / h (5 mph).
In 1976, the last year of production in 914, the car was only available in the USA, which has always been a stronger market for this particular model. For the last year of production, the 914 was available only in the 2.0-liter version.
Today, the Porsche 914 can provide a lot of fun, including driving outdoors on a reasonable budget (4-cylinder version). Among his best qualities is the weight distribution, due to the average configuration of the engine, which has a positive effect on its processing. The 4-cylinder engines are reasonably economical in terms of gas, and thanks to the good availability of used Porsche 914 parts, they are also much more accessible for repairs and maintenance than Porsche's 6-cylinder engines, which, on the other hand, will provide an even more pleasant driving experience.
