Germany vs Germany — 1938 vs 1974
| Beetle 1303S (Super Beetle) | Beetle 1303 S Rally | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 50 hp |
| Torque | 81 lb-ft | 76 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,585 cc | 1,584 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.0 sec | 18.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 84 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.5 sec | — |
| Weight | — | 2,028 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,080 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 8,500 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,200 |
| Value (Excellent) | $25,000 | $28,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 1/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1938 Volkswagen Beetle 1303S (Super Beetle) brings quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally answers with higher top speed, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Volkswagen Beetle. The 1938 and 1974 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle 1303S (Super Beetle) producing 50 hp and the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally delivering 50 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Beetle uses a Flat-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,585 cc, while the Volkswagen Beetle relies on a Flat-4 OHV with 1,584 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle 1303S (Super Beetle) edges ahead at 17.0 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.