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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 - golden mean with added value

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Created on June 27, 2012

Reading time 3min

Written by:

Bruno von Rotz

Photos:

Bruno von Rotz

Balz Schreier

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Bruno von Rotz

Balz Schreier

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - macht auf kurvigen Strassen viel Spass

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - sportliches Interieur

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - Drehzahlgrenze unter 6'000 U/Min

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - Mittelkonsole mit Zusatzinstrumenten

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - die kleine Klappe gibt den Zugang zum Motor frei

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - Blick in den Motorraum

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - die Zugänglichkeit des Motors ist nicht optimal

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - Blinker vorne

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - runde Zusatzscheinwerfer vorne

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VW-Porsche 914 2.0 (1974) - Rückleuchten

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - Sicht eines Testwagens von schräg hinten

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - Blick in den zweiplätzigen Innenraum

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - Blick auf den Fahrerarbeitsplatz - alles gut greif- und einsehbar

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - zwei sportlich straffe Sitze

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - der vordere Kofferraum schluckt nur kleine Gepäckstücke

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VW-Porsche 914/2.0 (1972) - vom Motor ist kaum etwas zu sehen

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Summary

The VW-Porsche 914/2.0 was the pinnacle of the VW-Porsche series, if one excludes the models with Porsche six-cylinder engines. Significantly cheaper than the pure Porsche version it replaced, it offered hardly less driving pleasure and prestige, and thus became a successful model after all. This report describes driving impressions with a 100 hp 914 from 1973, supplemented by pictures from today and back then.

This article contains the following chapters

VW 411/412 engine
Positive feedback from the trade press
Timeless bodywork
Fits like a glove
Targa pleasures in summer
Closer to the Porsche than the Volkswagen
Sporty driving at a reasonable price
Further information

Estimated reading time: 3min

Preview (beginning of the article)

Throughout its life, the VW-Porsche had to contend with prejudices and excessive expectations. As a VW-Porsche with a 1.7-liter engine, it did not meet the performance requirements of the fast youth, as a Porsche 914/6 it was too expensive and for Porsche traditionalists it was no alternative to the 911. When the six-cylinder 914, of which only 3,300 were built, was discontinued, the way was clear for the 914/2.0 with a stronger Volkswagen heart and an acceptable price. It became a successful model. The 2.0-liter engine was derived from the VW 411/412. It produced 100 hp at 5,000 rpm thanks to Bosch fuel injection. While the light-alloy cylinder heads and oil cooler sounded like a sports car, the overhead valves and central camshaft were reminiscent of the popular passenger car. The sound was also closer to the Beetle than the Porsche. But the fans knew how to help themselves with exhaust tuning...

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