West Germany vs Germany — 1969 vs 2013
| Type 181 Thing | XL1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 46 hp | 48 hp |
| Torque | 78 lb-ft | 103 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 800 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 23.0 sec | 12.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 72 mph | 99 mph |
| Weight | 2,006 lbs | 1,753 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,224 mm |
| Length | 3,780 mm | 3,888 mm |
| Units Produced | 90,883 | 250 |
| Original MSRP | $2,750 | $146,000 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $200,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Volkswagen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing with the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing producing 46 hp and the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 delivering 48 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Type 181 uses a Flat-4 Air-Cooled OHV 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 23.0 seconds. The Volkswagen XL1 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 253 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 250 units built, the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Type 181's 90,883 examples. On the collector market, the 2013 Volkswagen XL1 commands a significant premium over the 1969 Volkswagen Type 181 Thing, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.