Germany vs France — 1950 vs 1947
| Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) | HY | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 42 hp | 35 hp |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,493 cc | 1,911 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 0.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 65 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,850 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,260 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 473,289 |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $65,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) brings more power to the table, and the 1947 Citroën HY answers with better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Germany and France automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) versus 1947 Citroën HY is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) producing 42 hp and the 1947 Citroën HY delivering 35 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Type 2 uses a Flat-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,493 cc, while the Citroën HY relies on a Inline-4 with 1,911 cc. On the collector market, the 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) commands a significant premium over the 1947 Citroën HY, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.