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General Forums => Air Speed Lounge => Topic started by: 72vwtype2 on September 23, 2005, 11:49:52 PM

Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: 72vwtype2 on September 23, 2005, 11:49:52 PM
I am considering buying a 70ish beetle. But I was wondering what are some of the differences between the Beetle and Super Beetle? Is one more desireable than the other? Any other info would be appreciated about the differences.

Thanks, Phil.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Chris on September 24, 2005, 12:06:47 AM
if you intend to do any customizing to the vehicle, such as lowering it, the costs are higher on a super beetle, or at least from what I recall, they look funy with there rounded windshields and various other strange details.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 24, 2005, 12:12:42 AM
If you want a beetle that is the most like a \"Real\" car then a super beetle fits the bill. They have a real front suspension(Macpherson strut) which should open up a fair amount of strut/spring combo's for you. If you want to build a beetle to handle and have ceaper parts prices a super fits the bill.  If I didn't get the 62 the way i did I would of bought a super.
-Kirin
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: rustybus on September 24, 2005, 12:20:13 AM
It all depends on personal taste.  Lick the bug you wish to purchase and if it taste good buy it :D  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Billyisgr8 on September 24, 2005, 07:56:33 AM
So many people think Supers only have a curved windsheild, and when they see a flat windsheild super they think it is a regular beetle, Get a 71-72 super for the flat windsheild.  Lowering struts and springs are cheaper than a beam and spindles by a long shot( probably $200-300)  to get up to 4\" of drop on a super.  Handling is much better.  You can fit more storage in the front too.

Most people who do not own a beetle or are into vw's only notices that you have a \"beetle\".  They are oblivious to a curved windsheild and rounded front end, or larger taillights.  They are more intrested in doing a \"punch buggy to there buddy.  All beetles to them are old.

Kevin
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Bugboy696 on September 24, 2005, 08:15:58 AM
I'm starting to do up a 71 super w/metal unroof.  The round front and the flat winsheild are a cool combo in my mind.

They look a little funny at stock ride height (front is really high), but they look awesome when they are lowered!

Its all personal taste.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Lanny on September 24, 2005, 08:16:45 AM
Most people who are new to the VW scene can't really tell, early, late, super etc. As time passes and you begin to notice the differences, most enthusiasts will lean towards the earlier models. Compare the diiference between a 51 Split cloth interior to a 73 plastic interior. IMHO, an early car with late mechanicals(brakes/engine/trans/electrical) is the way to go. Supers have a knack of shaking front ends at highway speeds. Supers usually have defrost(laughs) fans. Pros and cons to both.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: 72vwtype2 on September 24, 2005, 09:15:12 AM
I am leaning towards the 71/72 Supers, because of the flat windshield. It seems to be the last thing it retains from the early beetles. How about the drive train and options? I believe the motors were the same in both the regular beetle and Supers? Did the Super have more options or a nicer interior?
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Shane on September 24, 2005, 09:25:03 AM
Quote
. Compare the diiference between a 51 Split cloth interior to a 73 plastic interior.
Supers Suck and all should be hacked ]:(  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: hi-top on September 24, 2005, 02:00:49 PM
Don't hate and don't discriminate. All v.w.'s have different things that appeal to different people, and thats why we don't buy Hondas.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: rustybus on September 24, 2005, 02:06:07 PM
Quote
Don't hate and don't discriminate. All v.w.'s have different things that appeal to different people, and thats why we don't buy Hondas.
Ummmm .....my lawn mower is a honda. :mellow:  But It's air cooled :D  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Lanny on September 24, 2005, 03:12:18 PM
Quote
Supers Suck and all should be hacked >:(
I was trying to be a bit more subtle..
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Shane on September 24, 2005, 03:37:43 PM
Sorry, Sometimes I get carried away... :blush:
 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 24, 2005, 04:30:58 PM
As much as I HATE to agree with Pointblank.  Supers' and anything but.....  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: G-dog on September 26, 2005, 11:10:10 AM
!967  the only year worth considering! :D  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Shane on September 26, 2005, 12:50:14 PM
Quote
!967  the only year worth considering! :D
If you are into that sort of thing... Funny Headlights and all ;)  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 26, 2005, 01:07:26 PM
If you want your car to handle and have creature comforts... a \"real\" dashboard more soundeadening.. and did I mention handling and none goofy rear suspension technology late is where its at.
Somewhere in my future lies a dark super on Porsche wheels, big brakes, sway bars, stroker t4 with EFI and turbo.
Hulk what? Apex sure!
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: G-dog on September 26, 2005, 01:07:38 PM
Yep ! headlights that actually work :P  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 26, 2005, 02:31:37 PM
Amen bro!
None of that sealed beam BS!
Hella H-4's all the way!
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 26, 2005, 06:47:39 PM
Any idiot can convert an early beetle to have H4 Headlights.  Hell you can even go Xeon if you like.  A simple conversion that most everyone has already done to a daily driver pre '67.  A real dashboard?  You referring to that hunk of black foam that don't do  crap other than crack?  As for creature comforts.  Name one real creature comfort that a late Stuper beetle has.  Now handling...... lets see.  In order to make the Stuper Beetle handle exactly how much weight did they have to add? A 1960 Beetle weighs in @1609lbs; a 1974 stuper beetle @ 1984lbs.  That's a hell of a lot of weight to overcome with Hp.  You want to accelerate or go around a corner?  Sorry but a stuper beetle is a hard sell.

 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 26, 2005, 08:27:39 PM
The super VS Standard debate let it begin.
First off lets think of what those 300 lb's were added for. Safety(Shock bumpers, something of a crash cell, door impact beams? Thicker structure....) Sound deadening, Macpherson struts(Pretty simple).

Weight is easier to over come with HP. With a super instead of basically a tractor front suspension you get a real strut system with geometry. Lets not even talk about the ox cart rear suspension. I believe Nader called the swing axle for its badness. I like IRS and once you've driven a car with IRS in the back and struts up front.....

By 1975 the super beetle was such a choked car compared to say the 62.
Don't get me wrong you can make the early car's handle... I tried with mine and then just went the way of the strut...
Theres a super in my future...
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 26, 2005, 10:05:34 PM
If safety were the concern nobody would be driving beetles.  They were designed for an European market where the bumper heights were much lower.  Austin mini being a prime example.  They stopped importing them because of their bumper heights.  The fact that VW made adjustments to accomidate was a compromise.  You can't tell me that the Stuper Beetle would save you anymore than my '64 from a collision with ANY SUV of full size truck.  Face it the only accident you are gonna walk away from is with another VW beetle.

In short the Stuper Beetle was nothing more than a feeble attempt of VW trying to accomidate the US market.  Nothing more, nothing less.  Remember that in late '74 VW came out with the Rabbit (golf in europe) which was the next big deal.  \"the econobox\"
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: silas on September 26, 2005, 10:09:05 PM
supers bring to mind two words...

fat chick.

you either have to be really drunk or really desperate.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Klaatu on September 26, 2005, 10:35:21 PM
Hey Big Kirin,were is the Tweds when u need him.He Will give us 1001 reasons why Supers are better,and I am sure there are many reasons why they are............But I can't help but say they still suck,ohh did I say that out loud.Sorry about that just personal pref.,but I guess they are a little more like a bimmer than a early car..LOLOLO  ;)      TJ
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Matt on September 26, 2005, 10:39:53 PM
Dammit Jim, why'd you have to go rattle his cage some more?
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 26, 2005, 10:58:21 PM
:blink:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 27, 2005, 08:15:03 AM
Alright.. Personal preference is personal preference.
Parts are cheaper though for supers I swear and they just seem more disposable..


So I guess when it comes to the beetle arguement I am a chubby chaser....
I admit it.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: rustybus on September 27, 2005, 08:57:45 AM
Just like I said before it's a matter of taste :)  And my taste say supers are crap . but it is no reason to hack them up.  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Chris on September 27, 2005, 05:43:42 PM
Quote
Alright.. Personal preference is personal preference.
Parts are cheaper though for supers I swear and they just seem more disposable..


So I guess when it comes to the beetle arguement I am a chubby chaser....
I admit it.
yes your right supers are disposable.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 27, 2005, 06:15:13 PM
Hell ya, Hack them up and make HebRod's outta the front clip.....

]]]Finally a good use of Stuper technology[[[ (http://www.airspeedparts.com/community-forum/index.php?act=ST&f=25&t=3228)
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: James Buchan on September 27, 2005, 06:30:56 PM
Actually I had a 73 super (curved windshield, early struts) and I liked it alot - I don't care what year/make/model aircooled I have or anyone else has - I like them all. But my favorite year beetle is a 66.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 27, 2005, 06:51:58 PM
Such haterz
Its aircooled... Just love it or leave:P
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Chris on September 27, 2005, 08:14:01 PM
listen to you
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Shane on September 27, 2005, 08:58:53 PM
I wanna get in this debate too....
Supers are a waste of a car.. and Karen,I will gladly go find a $50 Super and trade you for your \"Bert\"
Did I mention they suck and should be hacked???? :angry:
and they are ugly and have no style??
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: slammedbus on September 27, 2005, 09:19:13 PM
I must admit the boy is holding it better than usual. Been taking some courses on self restraint Kirin?? Not half as fun to watch anymore.  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: busnerd on September 27, 2005, 10:07:35 PM
One good thing about the super is it acts as a \"gateway drug\" into the vw scene.  Speaking from experience, a young guy can pick up a super for cheap, not knowing the difference.  Hone his skills on the \"disposable\" vw, and then when he learns the difference can choose to get a std. bug having hacked a super instead of a standard.

 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: dannyboy on September 27, 2005, 10:54:50 PM
im not a huge fan of supers, but ive always had a bit of a woody for a nicely done 71-72 super german look car, with a big motor of course....
someday.....
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: rustybus on September 28, 2005, 12:50:21 AM
Friends don't let friends buy supers :D  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: slammedbus on September 28, 2005, 07:55:59 AM
ALthough I personally would choose a std over a super, I can appreciate any vehicle where someone has put in the time. I know there was one Blue 72 super on this site that was REALLY nicely done. looked clean, had a nice paint job on it, lowered, eight spokes.....nice car. AGain not MY first choice, but I enjoyed looking at pics. Kind of like hebrods. Not my first choice but man do I appreciate the kind of hours that go into building them.

I think we need to be cautious with our comments and opions as there are people within this community that have made choices on either side and have put the hours in to make a ride that they are proud of.

I say good day!
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: moni on September 28, 2005, 08:02:48 AM
Quote
ive always had a bit of a woody for ...
that's a mental image i really didn't need. :mellow:


dammit danny, i haven't even finished my coffee yet!  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 28, 2005, 10:39:52 AM
Amen Slammed bus(BTW the Job training is working... and I am becoming my own behavior therapist) An aircooled's an aircoled. Whether you love your rust 72 super or your mint 57. Equally your VW owners and isn't that what counts!
I mean really who here drives their aircooled daily?(Uh oh thats a whole new can of worms..)
 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Russ on September 28, 2005, 11:13:59 AM
Quote

I mean really who here drives their aircooled daily?(Uh oh thats a whole new can of worms..)
my wife when she is home :D  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on September 28, 2005, 11:17:20 AM
Figured that but theres only a few select group of people and your one of them...
BTW your oval whenever I see it on the road and I'm driving the poobraun bmw sends me immense pangs of guilt.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: HeliMike on September 28, 2005, 04:04:46 PM
Quote

I mean really who here drives their aircooled daily?(Uh oh thats a whole new can of worms..)
Only those of us that are smart enough to fix them ourselves  ;)

or then again those of us that are dumb enough to drive one every day  :wacko:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: thrasherbill on September 28, 2005, 04:20:14 PM
Quote

or then again those of us that are dumb enough to drive one every day  :wacko:


 
:rockon:


ThrasheR
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: silas on September 28, 2005, 06:44:25 PM
Quote
Its aircooled... Just love it or leave:P
so are alot of motorcycles. does that mean i have to love them too?

it's a matter of opinion, and you know what they say about opinions.

they're like assholes.

every one has one.

and mine stinks.  B)

 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on September 28, 2005, 07:02:31 PM
Daily Driver...... Waldo rocks and winter is coming.... :rockon:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: rustybus on September 29, 2005, 01:06:17 AM
Bought a t-3  from Shane She's my daily driver  :D . Most people said it wouldn't last a week  [_[ . Bin going stong for about 5 months now :rockon: . Mind you it does have issues. Before that my oval was my daily driver. All year round :) .


















supers are gayish














no sorry there gay
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Shane on September 29, 2005, 06:25:06 AM
They are as Gay as Geoff loose in a bar :rockon:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: vwsportsbug on October 06, 2005, 10:30:55 PM
Quote
ALthough I personally would choose a std over a super, I can appreciate any vehicle where someone has put in the time.


Quote
Not my first choice but man do I appreciate the kind of hours that go into building them.

Quote
I think we need to be cautious with our comments and opions as there are people within this community that have made choices on either side and have put the hours in to make a ride that they are proud of.

rational, reasonable

Quote
supers are gayish

Quote
Supers Suck and all should be hacked

Quote
supers bring to mind two words...

fat chick.

you either have to be really drunk or really desperate.

inflammatory, ignorant


ford, chevy, dodge, european, japanese -- old, new, hot rod, stock, cal look, german look, standard, super -- appreciate the enthusiast, share your passion, knowledge, experience, .....

 
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Chris on October 06, 2005, 10:34:24 PM
Quote





rational, reasonable

Quote
supers are gayish



Quote
supers bring to mind two words...

fat chick.

you either have to be really drunk or really desperate.

inflammatory, ignorant


ford, chevy, dodge, european, japanese -- old, new, hot rod, stock, cal look, german look, standard, super -- appreciate the enthusiast, share your passion, knowledge, experience, .....
opinions are like...... :P
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on October 06, 2005, 10:47:30 PM
My gosh I though this thread had been deleted...
And now its back...... :wacko:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on October 07, 2005, 12:13:07 AM
here we go again.  Kirin for the record Slammedbus and I were talking the other night and were baffled that you didn't mention the German Look Super.  If you had I'd a had to given you kudos.   As much as I cringe at the thought of owning a Stuper Beetle they do look kewl.  It really comes down to \"to each his own\".  I think that you will find that newbies like beetles for being beetles.  Veterans will tend toward the non Stuper, and enthusiasts will go for the older the better.  My first beetle was a '67 so I started out with plumbing on the bumper.  As far as guys just getting into the aircooled scene; well they take what they can find (usually 68+) and upgrade from there.  

You being an obvious exception most you will find upgrade to an older vintage vehicle.  That being said I say Goodnight!
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Bruce on October 07, 2005, 08:37:54 AM
Quote
As for creature comforts.  Name one real creature comfort that a late Stuper beetle has.  Now handling...... lets see.  In order to make the Stuper Beetle handle exactly how much weight did they have to add? A 1960 Beetle weighs in @1609lbs; a 1974 stuper beetle @ 1984lbs.
Why not compare the weight of a Super to your bicycle.  Just as useless a comparison.  A 74 STANDARD torsion bar Beetle weighs 1850lbs, only 130lbs more using your number.

How about wipers at your fingertips instead of reaching out to the dash?  By installing a Rabbit wiper switch and relay you can have intermittent wipers (that came standard on 79 convertible Supers).  How about a high beam switch where you don't have to fumble around with your left foot?  That stupid one on the floor always seems to get switched when you push in the clutch.

How about real HEAT?  I got the dealer invoice with my 72 Super, and the gas heater is not listed as an option.  That's because it is standard on a 72 Super.  Partly why they weigh more.

How about a defroster that actually clears the windshield?  Two speeds too.  Fast to get it clear, slow to keep it that way.

Trunk volume.  Did you know you can't fit a bare Beetle engine case in the trunk of a standard beetle?  But you can easily fit a complete long block in a Super.  A 71-72 Super's trunk is double the size of a standard's.

Sounds like a lot of people here are jealous of Supers.  Some of the biggest gaybashers are gay themselves.
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: kirin on October 07, 2005, 10:32:02 AM
On September 26 12:06 PM I posted this up..
\"If you want your car to handle and have creature comforts... a \"real\" dashboard more soundeadening.. and did I mention handling and none goofy rear suspension technology late is where its at.
Somewhere in my future lies a dark super on Porsche wheels, big brakes, sway bars, stroker t4 with EFI and turbo.
Hulk what? Apex sure! \"

If the latter part does not spell German look I don't know what does.
So I guess its \"my fault\" that I didn't mention it huh? :wacko:  
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: thrasherbill on October 07, 2005, 01:21:23 PM
I've never been a big fan of supers myself, but James' old red oxide flat window had a great look and could really light 'em up...

(https://airspeedparts.com/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi12.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fa250%2Fdigitalbill2%2Fstuff%2Fjburnout3.jpg&hash=ba8e4ef08ee566164f44a0a4d92480dcbed66898)


And I don't think many will disagree that THIS (http://www.goinpostalracing.com/videos/superdrifter.wmv) [--- Click here -- looks like a load of fun.



 :rockon:


ThrasheR
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: James Buchan on October 07, 2005, 01:40:13 PM
My old tremclad 73 - I miss that car!
Title: Beetle Vs Super Beetle
Post by: Mowser on October 07, 2005, 05:17:54 PM
track down the owner, maybe he'll sell it back to you... :P