i totally agree
The x1/9 was a very well planned car just by looking through them you can tell that the car never recieved a "fair shake" but as far as the body rust, the cars needed to be dipped not just paint would of reduced rust a bunch, but then some other companies did not dip either back then. also the x1/9 has hidden panels as well but the car needed that uno turbo engine right off the bat. that body shell in good shape can take some power for the sizeHere is a "Four Sports Car Comparison" from Road & Track back in the day.
Note the 914 tested zero to 60Mph at a tire burning 13.9 seconds and the road test staff used the words, "Futuristic but Un-resolved."
To this day, the 914 is mostly shunned by Porsche-philes and considered more VW than Porsche. In a way similar to the Ferrari Dino being, "Not a Real Ferrari." until recently.
What made the difference for the 914 being more accepted by car folks than the 1/9 is the fact Porsche did race the car with some success and evolved it to some degree. Initially increasing the engine displacement from 1.7L to 2.0L, then the 914-6 and finally the 916.. plus the name Porsche has a halo effect on this car.
The X had none of this, it suffered lack of proper development from day one and FIAT was determined to not allow the x1/9 to be a fully developed race car. Fact is, the x1/9 was never really a FIAT design, it was something that Mr. Bertone cooked up and convinced Agnelli to produce it initially and use FIAT mechanicals..
Cars develop a reputation of desirability factor based on it's racing history, how many times did "it win", owner experience, how the media presents the car to the public and brand reputation.
It's worth noting that when Bertone went direct to the US market, they tried to hide every FIAT badge to avoid being connected to the FIAT name which was perceived as bad in the US car market.
If one were to judge the x1/9 purely on it's stock offering, yes it is a rather low performance offering that has good chassis dynamics and under powered.. But, the vast majority would never know what this design is capable of due to how un-developed it is as delivered and no real factory supported race efforts. In the 914's case, there are direct go-fast options for this car including V8 Detroit power, pride of owing a "Porsche" and good aftermarket support and owners who do not whine about spending $ on their Porsche. The x1/9 comes with none of these.. relegating it to being a under appreciated, un-finished gem for some to discover.
For those who have not seen this video.. This is basically an x1/9 chassis with Uno turbo power racing with Porsche's current GT-3 cup racer and a mid-engine Renault Megan..
YouTube - Special Saloon Car Challenge- Jyllandsringen 23 August 2009. Heat 2. pt.1
YouTube - Special Saloon Car Challenge- Jyllandsringen 23 August 2009. Heat 2. pt.2
http://xwebforums.com/forum/index.php?threads/4612/
Imagine if FIAT allowed Bertone to produce the twin cam Stradle and Abarth to rally it and do a proper race program using the x1/9 chassis.. beyond what Dallara did with this chassis.
If looking at value for the money spent were a prime consideration, the x remains one of the very best values in a small mid-engine sports car.
As for rust, 914 rust as bad or worst than the x1/9, but the most serious rust problems are hidden. There are reinforcement structures that run along the side of the body and they tend to rust badly in darkness. The clue to this problem, the doors sag and won't close properly on a 914. Just another example of how many cars from that era are all prone to rust.
Bernice
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