Michael Meldrum
Houston, Texas @p911r
Same but different… You know it’s a good day when you have two 1972 911s to choose from. One would assume that the experience would be similar, but you would be wrong.
The obvious differences between my two examples: one is a 911T Targa and the other a 911E Coupe. Early 911 enthusiasts would be quick to spot that we’re dealing with a Us-delivered 911T and European-delivery (ROW) 911E. One unexpected difference, the 911T’s powerplant has been rebuilt to a 2.5-litre with PMO carburettors – originally delivered with 2.4 MFI being Us-spec – and the 911E is still in its factory 2.4
MFI configuration.
The 1972s deliver a surprisingly different driving experience. The chassis and suspension both feel very similar, but the Targa drives a tad heavier in my opinion. The most noteworthy variance in the driving experience is the powerplant.
The 911T’s engine feels far torquier at lower RPMS and pulls strongly all the way through to its redline. One downside, as with all carburetted engines, is a flat spot in the powerband, but once you become accustomed to this it can be easily managed.
One of my favourite things about the T is its Bursch sports exhaust; it was installed by the previous owner sometime in the 1970s. It is mundane at lower RPMS and idle, but comes to life under acceleration like a bat out of hell… pretty much my ideal set-up.
The 911E feels less torquey and power delivery is peakier, but rather counterintuitively it’s more fun. Fun fact: the 1972 911E has a faster 0 to 60 than its big brother, the 911S. The 911E is a rev-happy beastie with excellent throttle response and always makes for a fun companion on a spirited drive or a quick run down to the shops.
I’m intrigued by the variances between the European and US specifications. The US Department of Transport seems to be a much more serous bunch of chaps than its European counterpart. Sadly, many of the changes made to satisfy the US DOT do not cosmetically enhance the cars in my opinion. The sealed-beam ‘sugar scoop’ headlights, front bumperettes, solid amber turn signals and awkward instrumentation labels do little to beautify the 1972 edition of the 911.
I much prefer the ‘less-is-more’ approach of the Euro-spec cars: the absence of the front bumperettes, the cleaner design of the headlight and the less cluttered dash, thanks to the absence of the instrument labels. One major drawback is the kilometre speedometer; it has resulted in at least one speeding ticket!
So before you ask: “Which one is your favourite?” both are a strong contender for top dog. The Targa was my first air-cooled and has a fascinating history, and I’m only the second owner, but for me the purity and feel of the 911E and the sound of the MFI 2.4 just shades it for me.