Can anyone tell me if there are any significant differences between the models: like, will a 1600 starter go on a 2.0l engine ? If there are differences, can you tell from the outside ?
Thanks for any help.

1600 and 1800 and any 12v beetle are the same 2l is different for sure. i think the pinion gear has a different # of teeth.

The starter on my 2 litre automatic Kombi is susposed to be a little different to that on the manual version of the same van. Develops more torque, or something. That's according to the Haynes manual I have, which is outside in the Kombi and too dark and cold to go get now. And that's about all I know, and I'm learning fast, but not neccessarily from that manual! Other starter problems listed here, also.

ok in the manual styles there are only 2 types of VW starter motors. The non 228mm flywheel and the 228mm flywheel. The 228 mm flyhweel also commonly known as the 2L starter has a differant offset to the rest to alow for the differant bell housing and large clutch plate.