Germany vs West Germany — 1974 vs 1968
| Beetle 1303 S Rally | 411 Type 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 68 hp |
| Torque | 76 lb-ft | 91 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,679 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 18.0 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 84 mph | 91 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 20.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,028 lbs | 2,293 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 4,140 mm | 4,553 mm |
| Units Produced | 8,500 | 367,728 |
| Original MSRP | $3,200 | $2,999 |
| Value (Excellent) | $28,000 | $18,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 4/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally brings lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1968 Volkswagen 411 Type 4 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Volkswagen has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally with the 1968 Volkswagen 411 Type 4 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally producing 50 hp and the 1968 Volkswagen 411 Type 4 delivering 68 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Beetle uses a Flat-4 OHV displacing 1,584 cc, while the Volkswagen 411 relies on a Flat-4 Air-Cooled OHV with 1,679 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Volkswagen 411 Type 4 edges ahead at 16.0 seconds versus 18.0 seconds. The Volkswagen Beetle carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 265 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 8,500 units built, the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen 411's 367,728 examples. On the collector market, the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally commands a significant premium over the 1968 Volkswagen 411 Type 4, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1974 Volkswagen Beetle 1303 S Rally rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.