The VW Thing vs the VW  Kübelwagen

While the VW Thing and the VW Kübelwagen have their differences they do have a similar design and they inspired later vehicles.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
The VW Thing and the VW Kübelwagen are two very different
Volkswagen
vehicles, despite their similar look. There are some key differences to consider when comparing the VW Thing vs the VW Kübelwagen. 
The features, design, and specs have some unique qualities about them for each car.
No matter which you choose, having a
legitimate insurance plan
set up for it can help keep it safely on the road. Every vehicle you drive should be insured for the best peace of mind. 

VW Thing vs the VW Kübelwagen in specs and features

The VW Thing vs the VW Kübelwagen allows us to take a look at the different specs and features. While the Thing is the name known to European and U.S. audiences, the Kübelwagen is known to Germany. 
Hot Cars
discusses the differences between the VW Thing the vehicle that the Beetle was named after. The Thing was is also known as Type 181. The VW Kübelwagen, which came first, is called the Type 82. 
The light military vehicles are classified as roadsters. The bucket seat car with rear-wheel drive became a bucket seat car with two-wheel drive. 
The curb weight of the VW Kübelwagen exceeded 2,500 pounds, while the Thing was just over 2,000. While the Thing could get up to about 70 MPH, the Kübelwagen topped out around 50. 
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VW Thing vs the VW Kübelwagen in price and design

The VW Kübelwagen is bulkier in design. The exterior is more rugged, as it was intended for military use. The VW Thing is a bit smaller in general and has a more squared look in the front.
The Kübelwagen's original design had no doors since the bucket seats inside helped to keep people in without them. Doors were later added to the Kübelwagen while the Thing originally has half doors with a roof cover. 
Both vehicles are difficult to find in today's time since they were made so long ago. If you do find one, you can expect to pay upwards of $50,000, depending on the year and condition. It also depends on the seller and whether they realize the value of the vehicle in their possession. 
You could have gotten the same vehicle back in those times for closer to $3,000. 

Do the VW Thing and VW Kübelwagen compare to any other vehicles?

There's really no need for the VW Thing vs the VW Kübelwagen debate. Both are excellent vehicles worth their while. There are some other cars in their class to compare them to, however. The Jeepster Commando produced in 1966 is similar in style.
Vehicles made by Jeep, in general, are similar in look to these Volkswagen versions. The Wrangler is the most similar in appearance, although the Renegade is also a comparable car. 
Convertibles are also similar due to their folding rooftops, even if they don't have the same boxy design. 
The G-Class SUV by
Mercedes Benz
is one of the closest you'll find today. It has a similar boxy style, giving it that original military look so many preferred. Of course, it's updated for our time, offering touch controls, new technology, and enhanced comfort features 
MORE: The 1997 Volkswagen Beetle Craze—and the Future of the Brand

Let Jerry help you no matter which Volkswagen you have

No matter which VW version you have, it's imperative that you get the right insurance set up to protect yourself on and off the road. Sign up with
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