Germany vs West Germany — 1938 vs 1978
| Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) | Iltis Type 183 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 50 hp | 75 hp |
| Torque | 77 lb-ft | 102 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 1,714 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.9 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 81 mph | 81 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.9 sec | — |
| Weight | 1,918 lbs | 3,417 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,420 mm | 2,017 mm |
| Length | 4,080 mm | 3,887 mm |
| Units Produced | 21,529,464 | 9,547 |
| Original MSRP | $1,995 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 8/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) excels in lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value, while the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 stands out for more power, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle) and 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 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. The 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 75 hp compared to 50 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Volkswagen Beetle uses a Flat-4 Air-Cooled displacing 1,584 cc, while the Volkswagen Iltis relies on a Inline-4 OHC with 1,714 cc. The 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 claims a higher top speed at 81 mph compared to 81 mph. The Volkswagen Beetle carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1499 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9,547 units built, the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 is considerably scarcer than the Volkswagen Beetle's 21,529,464 examples. On the collector market, the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis Type 183 commands a significant premium over the 1938 Volkswagen Beetle Type 1 (1302S Super Beetle), reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.