Porsche 914
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 3
Introduction
Born from a misconceived concept by Porsche to build
an affordable sports car for the masses, the 914 was launched
in 1969 using a Karmann-built targa top. Using the Volkswagen
sourced VW 411 motor (producing 80bhp), its top speed
was a laclustre 107mph / 171kmh.
Later versions had the Porsche sourced 2-litre unit, and
there was even a 6 cylinder model using the Porsche flat
6 motor (however this was short lived).
Easily dismissed, the 914 did have very good road manners,
and the build quality was the equal of anything else Porsche
was building at the time.
VW-Porsche 914/6 Quick Specs
Coupe with removable top, mid-engined, 2 doors, 2 seats. (also 914 model with 1.7-litre four-cylinder, fuel-injected Volkswagen engine).
Engine: Horizontally-opposed six-cylinder,
air-cooled. Bore 80 mm. Stroke 66 mm. Cubic capacity 1991 cc. Compression ratio 8.6 : 1. Two three-choke Weber carrburetters. Electronic ignition and alternator. Power-output 110 bhp (DIN) at 5800 rpm. Max torque 116 lb. ft. at 4200 rpm.
Transmission: Rear engine, rear drive. Five-speed all-synchromesh manual: 3.36, 4.10, 5.40, 7.86, 13.68. Reverse 13.84. Porsche "Sportomatic" (optional extra semi-automatic/torque converter): 3.80, 5.53, 6.86, 10.61. Reverse 11.15. Top gear per 1000 rpm 21.8. mph. Limited-slip differential.
Chassis and suspension: Unitary body and all-independent
suspension. Front, longitudinal torsion bars, rear, coil springs and semi-trailing arms. Four-wheel disc
brakes (ATE).
Rack and pinion steering.
Dimensions: Wheelbase 8 ft. 0.25 in. Track, front 4 ft. 5.5 in., rear, 4 ft. 6.4 in. Length 13 ft. 0.7 in. Width 5 ft. 5 in. Height 4 ft. 0.5 in. Ground clearance 5.2 in. Turning circle 36 ft. Unladen weight 2070 lb. Fuel tank capacity 13.7 gallons (Imp). Tyres 165-15.
Maximum speed: 120 mph.
