Germany vs Germany — 1950 vs 1951
| Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) | Type 2 T1 Samba Bus | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 42 hp | 25 hp |
| Torque | 75 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 1,493 cc | 1,493 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 0.0 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 65 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 0.0 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Length | 4,280 mm | 4,280 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $400,000 | $500,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
On balance, the 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) makes a stronger case on paper with more power, better value. However, the 1951 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Samba Bus counters with its own distinct appeal, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) for outright capability, or the 1951 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Samba Bus for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Volkswagen Type 2. The 1950 and 1951 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 1950 Volkswagen Type 2 Samba Bus (23-Window) producing 42 hp and the 1951 Volkswagen Type 2 T1 Samba Bus delivering 25 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Type 2 uses a Flat-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,493 cc, while the Volkswagen Type 2 relies on a Flat-4 with 1,493 cc. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.