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L bug vs standard beetle weight?
tayloredvw - June 8th, 2006 at 06:08 PM

does anyone no the comaparison of the standard weight of a 70's beetle compared to a super bug?

Which one is the lighter vehicle?


Joel - June 8th, 2006 at 06:16 PM

my 74 Lbug is 840kg
and my 74 1300 is 760 kg

thats according to the rego papers so whether its accurate or not is anyones guess

the Lbug on the weigh bridge at the dump with me in and an empty box trailer was 1042 kgs LOL

Joel


68AutoBug - June 8th, 2006 at 09:12 PM

Hi Joel,
Which car do You prefer???

the 1974 1303S Super 1600cc with McPherson struts...

or the 1974 Torsion bar beetle with 1300cc engine...

Best Handling?

Best roadholding?

I owned a 1302S superbug for many years back in the 70s
but I have always preferred the torsion bar front end...

the only thing I don't like is the turning circle...

So, Curved Windscreen or Flat Windscreen?


I suppose Your standard Beetle still has front Drum brakes
do the 1303S Discs seem better ??

Apologies for asking all these Questions... :P


Lee


Joel - June 8th, 2006 at 09:48 PM

thats ok lee

im a strut fan myself when a strut bug and a beam bug are compared when IN NEW condition the strut front end out performs easy although i find they understeer a bit where as a beam seems to over steer, but this is also due to the fact most beam bugs are swing axle where as all strut bugs are IRS
problem with struts i find is the bushings wear out and they handle like pigs where as beams dont really suffer from neglect so most ppl that drive worn superbugs both S and L (which nearly all are) just say theyre crap thats how superbugs get a bad name
my 1300 was acually just a $100 rust bucket i found in shed buried under bails of hay i only drove it home (30km) and round the block a few times b4 i stripped it, it had 4 new cofap shocks and wide wheels so it handled well i found but the camber compensator rubbers where non existant so it probably coulda handled even better
the drum brakes where also rebuilt and pulled up very well
the vw mechanic i was working with at the time said drums are very good when maintained cause they have a larger area than discs

hth
Joel


Volkswagenboy - June 8th, 2006 at 09:52 PM

Drums also have a self energising effect.
-Staggers.


1303Steve - June 9th, 2006 at 12:00 AM

Hi

My 1973 glovebox operation & data book says that 1973 1303 or L bugs has a kerb weight of 890 kgs, the convertible weighs 930 kgs.

Lee, if your happy with your 1930s design front end thats good, but they cant compare with struts for thier accuracy & roadholding.

Steve