How can you tell a 1971 beetle versus a 1971 Superbeetle?

Asked by beetlemic Dec 30, 2010 at 04:58 PM about the 1971 Volkswagen Beetle

Question type: General

wheat color, manual transmission, Chasis code starts 111295...., engine code starts with AE, the sticker on the inside of the door jam indicates it was made 8/70. How do I measure length if that is the only way to tell? Can't get trunk open even when pulling lever in glove box. Is there another way to pop the hood so I can see the vehical ID plate?

Zachary answered 13 years ago

a superbeetle has a strut front suspension, with coilover struts and they are chunky! the AE engine was used on most beetles, superbeetles, mrco buses and type 3s from 71-73. engines are not that specific in the 70's model ACVWs almost all ACVWs are manual transaxle with some automatic and auto stick models mixed in. go to thesamba.com for ACVW info tons of stuff.

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Chris answered 13 years ago

Easy way to tell, front apron (under front hood between front fenders), a standard will be solid, a super still have a bunch of slots cut into it. If hood latch or cable is broke its a pain to get into. Best way is to cut handle in half. Then unscrew bottom half. Hood will open then, but you will have to buy a new hood handle and fix reason why it wouldn't open

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