Germany vs West Germany — 1938 vs 1969
| Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) | Type 181 Thing | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 46 hp |
| Torque | 77 lb-ft | 78 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,584 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.9 sec | 23.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 72 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.9 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,918 lbs | 2,006 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,080 mm | 3,780 mm |
| Units Produced | 21,529,464 | 90,883 |
| Original MSRP | $1,995 | $2,750 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 6/10 |
On balance, the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) makes a stronger case on paper with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. However, the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing counters with greater rarity, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) for outright capability, or the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Volkswagen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) with the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) producing 50 hp and the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing delivering 46 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Beetle uses a Flat-4 Air-Cooled displacing 1,584 cc, while the Volkswagen Type 181 relies on a Flat-4 Air-Cooled OHV with 1,584 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) edges ahead at 17.9 seconds versus 23.0 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 90,883 units built, the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Beetle's 21,529,464 examples.