914 vs. Super Beetle, Similar? Options

[BMartin914]

I've been taking some heat from a few (non-Porschephiles) that are really down on the T4 engine (the 1.8 I am looking at specifically).

How similar are these engines (power, accel. wise) compared to the VW H4 engines used in the super beetle? I try to explain that the T4 and the earlier VW engines are quite DISSIMILAR in many ways. I still get the "its a bug motor?!" question.

Could somebody help me put this to rest and post what you know/your experiences with the power/driveability of the 914s T4 engine? Differences between the 914s T4 and the MANY other types of VW H4 engines?

[ArtechnikA]

Subsequently, I get a "you should drive that car first so you know how slow it is." "Why don't you just test drive a bug -- they have the same engine."

in that context, they're right - plus or minus but a very small amount, they have the same engine. they sound about the same, and they have about the same power ratings. even the torque curve is about the same. (plus or minus a little, the same engine is in an Oldsmobile as a Corvette. there's more to the experience than the engine.)

however - the Beetle doesn't have the Porsche 5-speed, which changes the game A LOT, and most important - a 914 isn't really about power, it is about handling and balance.

if you want the dragrace experience, get something with a big American V8. 914's are about turning. they have pretty darned good brakes but the key to going fast in a 914 is - don't use them. these cars have phenominal grip and can corner at speeds that would have most other cars off in the weeds.

we have several if not many 914 owners on the board in the Denver area - a few even with running cars :-) ... i bet one or more will pipe up and volunteer to give you the test-drive experience once they're back from their 3-day weekend and catch up with the thread traffic ...