Beetle vs Thing is speed

[recap]

I owned in the late 60s and early 70s a number of VW beetles all low mile cars.
single and dual port.
Each of the cars was tested on a good size hill I had to drive most every day. If I started at the bottom of the hill I could top out at 53 mph.
Fast forward to more modern times. I now have a low mile VW Thing 1974 and it too is in good tune. Same hill with much different results. The Thing is no where near as fast up the hill. I need to shift back and forth from third to fourth. Should this be expected?

[Glenn]

The transmission gears can greatly impact the results.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"
HBB/RW
www.DasVolks.com
Long Island's Aircooled Club

[sxuxrxf]

Seems from what I've read, to be normal with the Thing.


I have a direct comparison with my '63 Beetle and my '74 Thing on a good sized hill near my house. They both used the same exact engine - 1600SP with Kadrons and 1-3/8" header. Same size tires.

Beetle:
later trans - (4.12 with 1.26 3rd and .89 4th??)
weight according to Owner's Manual is 1631 lbs., plus tools.

Thing:
code AV trans - (4.12 with 1.26 3rd and .93 4th??)
weight according to Owner's Manual is 1984 lbs., plus roll bar and spare tire carrier and the same tools as above.

Beetle is much quicker up the hill, with power to spare in 3rd.
The Thing just makes it, no extra power in 3rd.
_________________
(ignore the X's )



Volker Rader Klub
Join us Saturday nights at IN-N-OUT on Hwy 76 and Frazee in Oceanside.

West Coast Bays

[FV195]

areo? plays a big factor
thing will allways be slower

[SilverThing]

I have both a 1975 110 'Basic' Beetle and a 1973 Thing. I think they weigh pretty close to the same. Beetle unladen 1973lbs (gross 2712 lbs), Thing 1984lbs (gross 2954 lbs).

The Beetle seems quicker to accelerate on flat ground and has a higher top speed (quieter at freeway speeds too - gearing is big here - this particular model was a stripped down model).

The Thing definitely has the advantage with hills and less than ideal road conditions. Its easier to crawl under and has more possible cargo space.

The Beetle gets poorer mpg than the Thing, but I think that has to do with the fact that I have the Thing's carburetor tuned well, while the Beetle had the EFI removed by a PO and the carburetor set up isn't ideal (no heat riser for starters...)
_________________
"I like how everyone likes talking about Zeke's Thing yet he's the only one that's ever seen it." - Katie
"I've seen pictures..." - Jeremy

[doublecanister]

I recently did some uphill driving in the Shennandoah Mts of Virginia,

I didnt get far in 4th, 3rd lasted a few seconds, had to climb in 2nd the rest of the way, but it made it!

and got 25mpg to boot!
me and wifey did a cavern and dinner date.

amazing that rain wont blow off the window at top speed; it's like it's not getting wind direct on it, rain x was worthless,
must be the down shaped front nose maybe?

def a bug killer though (i mean insect kind).
got a 1600, pic 31 in good tune, ran like a wildcat on flatland, got up to 65 to climb a few hills and dropped to 40 before cresting a few.

it ain't no race car.....its a THING!
_________________
*************************
1973- Thing ~ 1966-Mustang GT- Fastback ~ 1951- Ford Truck

[brooklyn thing]

While we're on the topic ,I always thought the thing gearing was high (or low) like a truck. This contributes to its slow acceleration as well as its average gas mileage. Another thing, I have never gotten near the red limit markers on the speedo in each gear at least on flat roads. Am I the only one ? Any thoughts?

[xeno]

[Semper_Dad]

[FV195]

I have been well past the red shift marks. shift into fourth at 75mph. non stock motor, wheels. speedo is accurate, gps checked.

[brooklyn thing]

Well mine is all stock. 75mph in 3rd...........holy chicken!

[Wildthings]

I did 75 in third once, followed shortly thereafter by an engine pull to take care of the stretched rod bolts.

At one point I had both a '66 bug ('67 1500 engine) and a Thing. The bug would easily climb the same hill in fourth that the Thing struggled up in third. The bug also got nearly 40 mpg while the Thing got 24ish.

I also found the Bug very easy to push a few feet around the yard if needed while the Thing was very difficult to. Never could figure that one out.

[FV195]

as I said my motor is not stock, I have had it past 7,500 rpms
75 in third is above 6k not for stock motors or the faint of heart

[Rev. Scott]

my '69 bug is MUCH snappier and gets twice the MPG; handles like a slot car too...funny that I never drive it.
_________________
"I haven't seen one of those since I was shootin' at 'em!"

[NOVA Airhead]

[FV195]

again, not a stock motor, 1835 big valve 042 heads dual webbers. 15" wheels.
my top speed is 90, can't go any faster, areo stops more speed
90 in a thing is way fast enough.
crusing speed, 75 feels right, can jump to 90 for passing.
I still belive wind is are biggest enemy.
if I want to fo faster, I take my 1200cc formula vee to a race track.
tops out at 120mph, 1200cc's single 28mm carb, but shaped like a bullet
120 with rador gun at daytona inter.

[landkholdings]

That is funny, Rev. Scott. I also have a 69 beetle that sees very little road time these days... It's definitely 181 weather in Georgia!
_________________
Kevin

[MRJEL]

[SilverThing]

[brooklyn thing]

The red marks are a maximum aren't they? I don't really get near them. I try to shift based on the sound of the engine. Isn't that the way to do it? It's prob about 10-22-35 mph on flat roads. When does everybody else shift?
.