The Porsche 914, produced from 1969 to 1976, was a unique collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen. This two-seater sports car featured a distinctive mid-engine layout and a removable targa top, making it a desirable choice for car enthusiasts. One of the key aspects that made the Porsche 914 truly special was its array of engine options, which offered a diverse range of power and performance.
When it comes to engine choices, the Porsche 914 had quite a few variations throughout its production run. Beginning with its launch in 1969, the base model 914 featured a 1.7-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder engine. This engine, which was primarily sourced from Volkswagen, delivered a modest 80 horsepower. While not the most powerful option, the 1.7-liter engine provided adequate performance for daily driving and allowed for decent fuel efficiency.
In 1973, Porsche introduced a higher-powered engine option for the 914. The 2.0-liter, air-cooled, four-cylinder engine became available and instantly appealed to performance enthusiasts. This engine, also shared with the Porsche 912E and the Type 4 Volkswagen, generated an impressive 95 horsepower. Though the horsepower gain was not substantial, the larger displacement engine offered more low-end torque, providing a more exhilarating driving experience.
In addition to the two base engine choices, there were also a handful of limited edition and performance-focused versions of the Porsche 914. One notable example was the 914/6, which was introduced in 1970 and continued until 1972. This variant featured a 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine, similar to the one used in the iconic Porsche 911. Producing 110 horsepower, the 914/6 possessed significantly more performance capabilities than its four-cylinder counterparts. The 914/6 stood out as the epitome of the 914 range and is highly sought after by collectors today.
Another special edition model was the 914 2.0 “GT.” This package, offered from 1973 to 1976, added several sporty features, including flared wheel arches, unique spoilers, black trim, and a roll hoop. The GT model utilized the standard 2.0-liter engine but had it tuned to produce 100 horsepower. While not a drastic power increase, the enhanced aesthetics and performance-oriented upgrades made the 914 2.0 “GT” a desirable option for those seeking a more aggressive driving experience.
To cater to different markets, Porsche also offered a few engine options specifically for different regions. For instance, the 1.8-liter engine was exclusively available in the North American market, providing 76 horsepower. This engine option came into existence due to emission standards, which required modifications to the original 1.7-liter engine.
In summary, the Porsche 914 offered a range of engine choices to suit various preferences and performance needs. From the base 1.7-liter engine to the more potent 2.0-liter version, and even the rare 914/6 variant, Porsche ensured that enthusiasts had options when it came to power and performance. Whether one desired a more comfortable cruiser or sought a thrilling driving experience, the Porsche 914 had an engine choice to cater to their desires.