Many people wonder if the Porsche 914 had a Volkswagen engine. This question is especially interesting because of the car’s unique design. It turns out, the Porsche 914 did indeed have a Volkswagen engine. This fact highlights the partnership between Porsche and Volkswagen, which led to the creation of this groundbreaking model.
Key Takeaways
- The Porsche 914 was a joint venture between Porsche and Volkswagen, featuring both Volkswagen and Porsche engines.
- The 914/4 models were powered by Volkswagen flat-four engines, while the 914/6 variants had Porsche flat-six engines.
- Over 118,000 Porsche 914 units were produced, with the majority being the 914/4 version.
- The collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen allowed for the creation of a mid-engine sports car at a more accessible price point.
- The Porsche 914 was a significant model that helped bridge the gap between the Volkswagen and Porsche brands.
The Porsche-Volkswagen Collaboration Story
The Porsche 914 was a joint effort between Porsche and Volkswagen. This partnership started in the late 1960s. Both companies wanted to add new models to their lines.
Porsche needed a new entry-level car. Volkswagen aimed to make a sports coupe. This collaboration was a big step for both.
Birth of the Joint Venture
Ferdinand Piëch led the 914 project. He was key in bringing Porsche and Volkswagen together. The design work started at Porsche, with Heinrich Klie at the helm.
However, the project hit a snag after Volkswagen’s chairman, Heinrich Nordhoff, died in 1968. This led to disagreements over the model’s rights and price.
Design and Development Phase
Despite the challenges, the team kept going. The 914’s prototype was first driven on March 1, 1968. It had a flat-four engine in front of the rear axle.
Later, the production models came with two engine options. There was a 1.7-liter flat-four from Volkswagen and a 2.0-liter flat-six from Porsche’s 911 T model.
Project Leadership and Key Players
The 914 project was a true team effort. Porsche and Volkswagen worked together, sharing their knowledge. The team included Ferdinand Piëch, Heinrich Klie, and many others.
“When the Porsche 914 was in production, it was one of the world’s best-selling sports cars.”
Does a Porsche 914 Have a Volkswagen Engine?
The Porsche 914 was a special project between Porsche and Volkswagen. It came with both Volkswagen and Porsche engines. The 914/4 models had Volkswagen’s Type 4 flat-four engines, from 1.7 to 2.0 liters.
The 914/6, however, had Porsche’s 2.0-liter Type 901/3 flat-six engine. This engine was from the 911T.
The Volkswagen-powered 914/4 models were more affordable. The 914/6 with its Porsche engine offered more power and a better driving experience. Engine options varied by model year and market, with power from 80 to 110 horsepower.
- The 1.7-liter Volkswagen Type 4 engine was rated at 80 horsepower with fuel injection.
- The 1.8-liter and 2.0-liter Volkswagen Type 4 engines were also available in the 914/4 models.
- The Porsche 914/6 featured the 2.0-liter Type 901/3 flat-six engine from the 911T, producing up to 110 horsepower.
While the Volkswagen and Porsche engines were similar, they had key differences. These included cooling systems, fuel delivery, and other technical specs. The choice between the 914/4 and 914/6 models depended on the desired performance and driving experience.
“The Porsche 914 was a unique collaboration between Porsche and Volkswagen, and as a result, the model was available with both Volkswagen and Porsche engines.”
The 914-4: Understanding the Volkswagen Flat-Four Engine
The Porsche 914 was a special team-up between Volkswagen and Porsche. The 914-4 model showed this partnership well. It used Volkswagen’s famous flat-four engine, known from the iconic Volkswagen Beetle.
Engine Specifications and Performance
The Volkswagen flat-four engine in the 914-4 started with a 1.7-liter version. It had 80 horsepower. Later, to meet new rules, it grew to 1.8 liters but lost a bit of power, to 76 horsepower.
In 1973, Porsche made a big change. They added a 2.0-liter engine that gave 100 horsepower. This made the car much faster.
Fuel Injection Systems and Updates
The 914-4’s fuel system got better over time. First, it had the Bosch D-Jetronic system. Then, in 1974, it got the L-Jetronic system for the US market. These changes helped the engine meet new emissions rules without losing power or reliability.
Power Output Through the Years
- 1.7-liter engine: 80 horsepower
- 1.8-liter engine: 76 horsepower
- 2.0-liter engine: 100 horsepower
The Volkswagen flat-four engine in the Porsche 914-4 wasn’t as strong as the 914-6’s six-cylinder. But it was cheaper and easier to get into the Porsche world. Its air-cooled design and fuel system updates made the 914-4 special and loved by many.
Also read: Was The Porsche 928 Supposed To Replace The Porsche 911?
The Porsche 914-6: A Pure Porsche Heart
The Porsche 914-6 is a standout in the 914 lineup. It truly captures Porsche’s sports car spirit. Powered by the iconic Porsche flat-six engine, it offers a unique driving experience.
The 914-6 has Porsche’s 2.0L Type 901/3 flat-six engine. It’s the same engine found in the 911T. This air-cooled Porsche flat-six engine packs 110 horsepower, making it more powerful than the four-cylinder models. It has a high compression ratio and Weber 40IDT3C carburetors for a thrilling drive.
Only 3,351 units of the 914-6 were made between 1970 and 1972. Its rarity and the Porsche heart under the hood make it highly sought after by enthusiasts.
Despite its great performance, the 914-6 faced market challenges. Its higher cost and price compared to the four-cylinder 914 models slowed sales. Porsche stopped making the 914-6 in 1972. Yet, the Porsche 914-6 remains a cherished symbol of Porsche’s dedication to exceptional driving.
“The 914-6 offered a driving experience that was distinctly Porsche, with the added performance and character of the flat-six engine.”
Engine Evolution and Model Years
The Porsche 914 went through a lot of changes over its years, with different engines and updates. These changes affected its performance and look. Let’s explore how the engine and model years of the Porsche 914 evolved.
1970-1972: Early Production Changes
In the early years, the Porsche 914 had two engine choices. The base model had a Volkswagen flat-four engine, with sizes from 1,679 cc to 1,970 cc. The 914-6, however, had a Porsche flat-six engine, with 2.0 liters and 110 horsepower.
1973-1976: Later Developments
By the mid-1970s, the Porsche 914 got even better. In 1973, the four-cylinder model got a 2.0-liter engine. The six-cylinder 914-6 kept its 2.0-liter engine. In 1974, the U.S. got a 1.8-liter engine and new fuel systems for emissions.
The last two years, 1975 and 1976, saw the four-cylinder model stick with the 2.0-liter engine. This was to improve performance and efficiency.
Throughout its years, the Porsche 914 got many updates. These included better shift linkage, new bumpers, and improved suspension and brakes. These changes kept the 914 a top sports car for six years.
| Model Year | Engine | Displacement | Power Output |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970-1972 | Flat four-cylinder | 1,679 cc – 1,970 cc | 80 hp – 100 hp |
| 1970-1972 | Flat six-cylinder | 1,991 cc | 110 hp |
| 1973-1976 | Flat four-cylinder | 1,971 cc | 100 hp |
| 1974-1976 | Flat four-cylinder | 1,795 cc | 76 hp |
Performance Comparison: 914-4 vs 914-6
The Porsche 914 has two main models: the 914-4 and the 914-6. The 914-4 has a 1.7-liter Volkswagen engine. It goes from 0-60 mph in 13.9 seconds and tops out at 109 mph.
The 914-6, with its 2.0-liter Porsche engine, is much faster. It hits 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds and reaches 123 mph. This shows the 914-6’s clear advantage over the 914-4.
Upgrading the 914-4 to a 2.0-liter engine makes it even quicker. It now goes from 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds and reaches 118 mph. This highlights the 914-6’s superior power and performance.
| Model | Engine | 0-60 mph (seconds) | Top Speed (mph) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 914-4 (1.7L) | Volkswagen Flat-Four | 13.9 | 109 |
| 914-4 (2.0L) | Volkswagen Flat-Four | 8.8 | 118 |
| 914-6 | Porsche Flat-Six | 8.7 | 123 |
The 914-6’s better performance comes with a higher price tag. It also weighs more due to its six-cylinder engine. Yet, for those who crave a more exciting drive, the 914-6 is the better choice. It offers unmatched Porsche 914 performance compared to the 914-4.
Technical Specifications and Features
The Porsche 914 was a unique mid-engine sports car. It combined Porsche’s engineering with Volkswagen’s. Its design and performance made it a favorite among car lovers. Let’s explore what made the Porsche 914 special.
Transmission and Drivetrain
All Porsche 914 models had a 5-speed manual transmission. This made shifting gears smooth and precise. Some 914-6 models also had an optional 4-speed Sportomatic for semi-automatic shifting.
The car’s mid-engine layout gave it great balance and handling. It had MacPherson struts and lower A-arms in the front. The rear had semi-trailing arms and coil springs for responsive handling.
Suspension and Handling
The Porsche 914’s brakes were a highlight, with disc brakes all around. The 914-6 models had larger, vented front discs for better stopping power. Its 2,450 mm (96.5 inches) wheelbase made it agile and easy to handle.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 5-speed manual (Porsche Type 914/11) Optional 4-speed Sportomatic (Porsche Type 914/05) |
| Suspension | Front: MacPherson struts, lower A-arms Rear: Semi-trailing arms, coil springs |
| Brakes | Disc brakes all around 914-6: Larger, vented front discs |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm (96.5 in) |
The Porsche 914’s mid-engine sports car design and engineering made it exceptional. Its suspension and braking systems ensured great handling. The Porsche 914’s specs and design offered a unique driving experience.
Market Impact and Sales History
The Porsche 914 had a big impact on the car market from 1970 to 1976. The 914/4, with its Volkswagen engine, was Porsche’s best-seller, even beating the famous 911. Porsche made 118,978 914s, with 115,646 being four-cylinder models and 3,332 six-cylinder 914-6s.
At first, the 914 got mixed reviews because of its design and partnership with Volkswagen. But now, it’s seen as a classic Porsche. Today, the 914’s value changes a lot. Four-cylinder models can cost between $5,000 and $30,000, depending on condition and mileage. The 914-6, being rarer, can sell for up to $100,000 for top-notch examples.
The Porsche 914’s success and lasting appeal have made it a key part of car history. It shows how the Porsche brand remains popular. It also shows the ongoing interest in vintage sports cars, especially affordable, fun-to-drive ones.
FAQ
Does a Porsche 914 have a Volkswagen engine?
Yes, the Porsche 914 had both Volkswagen and Porsche engines. The 914/4 models used Volkswagen flat-four engines. On the other hand, the 914/6 had a Porsche flat-six engine.
What were the engine options for the Porsche 914?
The 914/4 models came with Volkswagen Type 4 flat-four engines. These engines were available in 1.7L, 1.8L, and 2.0L displacements. The 914/6, however, had Porsche’s 2.0L Type 901/3 flat-six engine from the 911T.
How did the Porsche 914 come to be?
The Porsche 914 was a joint project between Porsche and Volkswagen. It was made from 1969 to 1976. Both companies needed new models, with Porsche looking for a 912 replacement and Volkswagen wanting a sports coupe.
What were the performance differences between the 914-4 and 914-6 models?
The 914-4 with the 1.7L engine could go from 0-60 mph in 13.9 seconds. Its top speed was 109 mph. The 2.0L 914-4 was faster, reaching 0-60 mph in 8.8 seconds and topping out at 118 mph.
The 914-6 was the fastest, hitting 0-60 mph in 8.7 seconds. It had a top speed of 123 mph.
How many Porsche 914 units were produced?
A total of 118,978 Porsche 914 units were made. Most were 914/4 models, with 115,646 units. There were also 3,332 six-cylinder 914/6 versions.
