I HAVE MID ENGINE FEVER!, I want one of these! Options

[Aaron Cox]

saw one drivin in hollywood- this thing has the most raced out engine-
the lotus europa, 1.6L 126 HP

[Lotus914]

Ahh I can't resist... I'm Dave.
Hello all, normally at the PP board and the Lotus Europa mailing list, Mark pointed me here, I'm the guy with both cars - '73 914 and '69 Lotus Europa S2. To address some of the comments-

They are both ugly.

Neither are made anymore because people stopped buying them.

The press panned both.

Each has a sexy brand with a humble engine.

Neither are expensive.

They are both ugly.

They were both known to spontaneously combust.

I think both are great.

Here's where they differ

Lotus has inexpensive parts from cheaper, mass produced cars on a more exotic car. Still a complete restoration can easily cost more than the value of the car.
Porsche gouges its customers. The 914 has outrageously priced parts on an cheap car. You'd have to be an indiot (like me) to restore one.

The Lotus could rev and out accelerate much more expensive cars, and especially in Twin Cam form is even quick today. The stock 914 was and is now even moreso a slug that accellerates like a lawn tractor, though it can beat most of them in a straight line, even newer ones.

They both came with around the same horsepower. The lotus weighs 5-700lbs less.
The 914 is built like a brick shithouse. Styled like one too.

The front of the lotus is styled like a ferrari, vintage jag, lotus formula racecar. The rear must have been designed by the guy who styled the 914.

As you tear the 914 apart you are amazed at how well it is engineered. As you assist the lotus in falling apart, you are amazed at its cheapness.

The electrical system absolutely sucks in the Lotus.

Strangers make positive comments about the 914. Strangers ask to sit or rather lie down in the Lotus, then can't help but burst out lauging and start making engine noises and pretending to set up for corner 10 at mosport.

My Dad, who isn't really a car guy, wasn't that interested in the Porsche, but for some reason the Lotus captured his imagination, so he's going to keep and use it when it is done.

I live on a busy street. The newly restored 914 draws the occasional honk or a visit from a fellow owner. The Lotus - even dead and shabby - attracts crowds and often other Lotii out of nowhere.

The lotus makes few compromises to handling. The 914 is practical and versatile.

The Porsche is cool. The Lotus is really cool.

Having tagged and bagged them all for two examples of each car, I'd bet the Lotus has fewer than half as many parts as the 914.

150000 914s were made, 9000 Europas.

Lotus recently developed the Elise, a lightweight simple but sophisticated mid engined sports car with amazing handling by any standard, no stupid gee gaws, a non-exotic engine, priced so mere mortals could afford it. (sound familiar?) Porsche? Worked with VW on the Cayenne/Toerag.

There are pages of Lucas electric jokes. Porsches ist nicht funny.

Good night!

BTW, I will be extensively documenting both restorations at

www3.sympatico.ca/dave.syer

Dave