CARCARETOOL VEHICLE GUIDE

Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle — *2-door saloon *2-door convertible, * '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

Engine* '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4

Transmission*4-speed manual transaxle *4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic

About the Volkswagen Beetle

Volkswagen Beetle is a *2-door saloon *2-door convertible in the small family car class. The available vehicle data lists * '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4 as an engine configuration, paired with *4-speed manual transaxle *4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic and a Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.

This Volkswagen Beetle guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for * '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4 and *4-speed manual transaxle *4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.

Volkswagen Beetle specifications at a glance

Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.

Make	Volkswagen
Model	Beetle
Model years	Not specified
Body style	2-door saloon 2-door convertible
Vehicle class	Small family car
Manufacturer	Volkswagen
Production	1938–2003; 21,529,464 produced
Market / country	AR, CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, MY, NL, NZ, UA, US

Engine, transmission and performance

Engine information for the Volkswagen Beetle includes * '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4.. Transmission information includes *4-speed manual transaxle *4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic.. The listed drivetrain/layout is Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Engine	* '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4
Transmission	4-speed manual transaxle 4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic
Drivetrain / layout	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Dimensions, weight and practicality

Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.

Wheelbase	2400 –
Length	4079 –
Width	1539 –
Height	1500 mm (59.1 in)
Kerb / curb weight	730 –

Volkswagen Beetle other specifications

Sp	uk
Name	Volkswagen Type 1; "Beetle"
Image	VW Käfer Baujahr 1966.jpg
Caption	1965–1966 Volkswagen Käfer
Alt	A front-three quarters view of a pale-yellow Volkswagen Käfer. It features 165/80R15 tires, which shod 15×4. 5" silver, circular wheels. The Käfer features a beetle-like body, and its window is open. The picture is taken with much greenery in the background, and the photo was edited to give it a more warmer tone.
Aka	Full list

Volkswagen Beetle generations and model years

Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.

Generation / scope	Years	Engine	Transmission	Drivetrain
Volkswagen Type 1; "Beetle"	1938–2003; 21,529,464 produced	* '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4	4-speed manual transaxle 4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic	Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive

Volkswagen Beetle features and equipment

Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.

Standard or documented features

✓However, this plan was abandoned when the company realised that the project was commercially infeasible.Seume Mays and Thomas recognised the difficulties faced by Volkswagen, and suggested the need for a vehicle that included the recognisable design of the Beetle as a potential solution to improve customer appeal.Seume During development, this car was known as the "Concept One" project.Seume The prototype was revealed at the 1994 Detroit Motor Show, and a red convertible variant of the model was showcased at the 1995 Geneva Motor Show.Seume

✓However, at the 1995 Tokyo Motor Show, the company unveiled another prototype, sharing its wheelbase and its broader range of engine options with the Golf

TIRE PRESSURE

Recommended tire pressure for Volkswagen Beetle

Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.

Normal load32 PSI front30 PSI rear

Fully loaded34 PSI front33 PSI rear

Load condition	Front	Rear	Status
Normal	32 PSI	30 PSI	Estimate
Fully loaded	34 PSI	33 PSI	Estimate

Calculate how much air to add

Frequently asked questions about Volkswagen Beetle

These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.

What engine does the Volkswagen Beetle have?

The available source data lists the Volkswagen Beetle engine as * '''Petrol:''' * 1131 cc H4 * 1192 cc H4 * 1285 cc H4 * 1493 cc H4 * 1584 cc H4. Engine availability can differ by model year and market.

What tire pressure should I use for the Volkswagen Beetle?

For the correct setting, use the cold inflation pressure on the vehicle placard or in the owner’s manual. When CarCareTool does not have a verified configuration-specific value, its starting estimate is 32 PSI front and 30 PSI rear for normal load. This is an estimate, not an OEM recommendation.

What is the best engine oil for the Volkswagen Beetle?

There is no single best engine oil for every Volkswagen Beetle configuration. Use the viscosity grade and manufacturer approval specified for the exact engine in the owner’s manual.

What body style is the Volkswagen Beetle?

The Volkswagen Beetle is classified as a *2-door saloon *2-door convertible.

What are the dimensions of the Volkswagen Beetle?

The available source data lists length 4079 -, width 1539 -, height 1500 mm (59.1 in), and wheelbase 2400 -.

What transmission does the Volkswagen Beetle have?

The available source data lists *4-speed manual transaxle *4-speed ''Saxomat'' semi-automatic *3-speed ''Autostick'' semi-automatic transmission options for the Volkswagen Beetle.

Is the Volkswagen Beetle FWD, RWD or AWD?

The listed drivetrain/layout for the Volkswagen Beetle is Rear-engine, rear-wheel-drive.

Who makes the Volkswagen Beetle?

The manufacturer listed for the Volkswagen Beetle is Volkswagen.

When was the Volkswagen Beetle produced?

The available source data describes production as 1938–2003; 21,529,464 produced.

How much does the Volkswagen Beetle weigh?

The available source data lists a kerb/curb weight of 730 –. Actual weight can vary with engine, trim and equipment.

Where was the Volkswagen Beetle built?

The available source record lists assembly information as Full list.

What class of car is the Volkswagen Beetle?

The Volkswagen Beetle is listed in the Small family car class.

Which markets or countries sold the Volkswagen Beetle?

The CarCareTool catalog currently associates the Volkswagen Beetle with AR, CA, ES, FI, GB, LU, MY, NL, NZ, UA, US. Market availability and specifications can differ.

What came after the Volkswagen Beetle?

The available vehicle data lists * Volkswagen Golf Mk1 * Volkswagen Gol (G1) * Volkswagen New Beetle as a successor where applicable.

What cars are related to the Volkswagen Beetle?

The available source data identifies related models as Volkswagen Type 2; Volkswagen Type 3. Relationships can vary by market and generation.

How often should I check the tire pressure on the Volkswagen Beetle?

Check the tires regularly and before long trips, with the tires cold. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual as the source of the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.

Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Volkswagen Beetle?

No. The maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle’s recommended setting. Use the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the correct cold inflation pressure.

Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Volkswagen Beetle is fully loaded?

It can. Many vehicles specify a different cold pressure for heavier loads. Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the exact loading condition.

Can the Volkswagen Beetle have different tire pressures front and rear?

Yes. Some vehicles specify different front and rear pressures because axle loads and vehicle configurations differ. Follow the exact vehicle recommendation where available.

Why can mileage differ from the published figure for the Volkswagen Beetle?

Published fuel economy is measured under a defined test method. Real-world mileage can vary with traffic, speed, temperature, tire pressure, payload, maintenance and driving style.

Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.

Volkswagen Beetle images

Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.