Germany vs Germany — 1938 vs 2013
| Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) | XL1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 48 hp |
| Torque | 77 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 800 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.9 sec | 12.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 99 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.9 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,918 lbs | 1,753 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,224 mm |
| Length | 4,080 mm | 3,888 mm |
| Units Produced | 21,529,464 | 250 |
| Original MSRP | $1,995 | $146,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 9/10 |
The 2013 Volkswagen XL1 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) counters with better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) and 2013 Volkswagen XL1 share a manufacturer in Volkswagen, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Volkswagen brand. 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 2013 Volkswagen XL1 delivering 48 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Beetle uses a Flat-4 Air-Cooled displacing 1,584 cc, while the Volkswagen XL1 relies on a Inline-2 TDI Diesel + Electric Motor with 800 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 edges ahead at 12.7 seconds versus 17.9 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 250 units built, the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Beetle's 21,529,464 examples. On the collector market, the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 commands a significant premium over the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.