West Germany vs West Germany — 1969 vs 1978
| Type 181 Thing | Iltis Type 183 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 46 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque | 78 lb-ft | 102 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,714 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 23.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 72 mph | 81 mph |
| Weight | 2,006 lbs | 3,417 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,017 mm |
| Length | 3,780 mm | 3,887 mm |
| Units Produced | 90,883 | 9,547 |
| Original MSRP | $2,750 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 answers with more power, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Volkswagen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing with the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 75 hp compared to 46 hp, a 29-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Type 181 uses a Flat-4 Air-Cooled OHV displacing 1,584 cc, while the Volkswagen Iltis relies on a Inline-4 OHC with 1,714 cc. The 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 claims a higher top speed at 81 mph compared to 72 mph. The Volkswagen Type 181 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1411 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9,547 units built, the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Type 181's 90,883 examples.