240D vs. VW Beetle - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

crash9 · #1 11-18-2003, 02:51 PM

Wow – what a thread, who would have, thunk it. Different strokes for the very same folks I guess. Something’s going on in the world that I’m just not tuned into – and I’m sure I don’t want to be. How can these cars be selling at the same price? Actually recycled Bugs are much more than well cared for Mercs – It’s what my kid calls the cool factor.
In 1976 I drove home a brand new Honda Civic with air and a radio for (don’t hold me to it) about $2,250. I loved it – actually dumped a 911 Targa – because the Honda just seemed, so right. It was better than a Bug in every way and they (both of them) seemed thicker than ticks back then. Where did those Hondas go – they were certainly reliable – Bugs are still everywhere around here. Of course around here means Bisbee AZ where trading in a Bug means giving into the hi-tech hypocrisy, Republicans aren’t on the ballot, and tie-died shirts and sandals worn by guys with beards and wearing skirts are common also.
Every time I open the hood and look at the back of the dash on my Bug I fall in love all over again, or just slide back that rag top sunroof, thinking about simple design – but damn that exhaust stinks. Then I get in the Merc – door closes like a safe – careful with that ignition switch, heater works – God, sooner or later I’ll have to get under this dash.
Ain’t it grand – maybe people just don’t know how good a deal you can get on one of these – lets keep it a secret because by God, it’s really a modern version of “The Kings New Suit of Clothes” –We gotta keep consumer spending up, or we’re all toast - Does $4,000 of the price of a new “Hummer” really just go to pay for all the advertising?????
Chan
http://www.managemoney.org

240Demon · #2 11-18-2003, 04:38 PM

I am the present owner of both cars. However, at the moment, my 66 Bug is in the garage being put back together after a full restoration. I have found with Air cooled VWs and reliability, you get out what you put into it. My father's daily driver is a 1969 Bug that he restored a few years ago, and all he has to do is change the oil, adjust the valves and do the occasional tuneup. The car has been getting him to work everyday for almost 5 years. I used to drive a $600 1963 Bug, that I was working on every day, because I was (and still am) a poor high school student. My new bug has had no expense spared and shows it. It will be like a new car when it is finished.
As far as the 240D goes, I originally got it because I wanted a Benz and I wanted to learn about diesels. Well, now I know quite a bit about diesels, and I love the car, especially the heat, because Oregon is by no means warm. I also like the ability to haul people and stuff, and the sunroof is great to.
Bugs are gokarts, and are absolutely excellent for running through intown traffic at high rates of speed, however the Benz is great for trips.

And in a Drag race, the Bug would clobber a 240D in acceleration. I once outran a Nissan 280ZX with my 63.

Stevo · #3 11-18-2003, 08:11 PM

The old bugs were great cars but I can go just as far on a gallon of fuel in comfort, safety and style in my 240Ds. I rebuilt the engine and restored our "64"VW a few years ago and it sits in the barn but will fire up any time we need it, thats gota be worth something. It was my wifes car when she was in school and she will never sell it. Grooon

#4 11-19-2003, 09:50 AM

Last winter during a Washington DC super cold snap each of my three diesels "failed to proceed"...but my '73 bug convertible (bought new just out of college)...fired right up, even though I hadn't looked at it in MONTHS. DID keep the top up, tho.

Believe that the 240 and beetle are both on the continuum of almost perfect, simple cars. Try Rocky Mountain Motorworks for good VW bug parts.

Stevo · #5 11-19-2003, 03:18 PM

Jim...."good VW bug parts"

When I did the work on our bug several years ago there were a couple places down in southern Ca where everything and everything could be gotten at a good price. I remember being amazed at how cheap a replacement fuel tank was. I will add Rocky Mountain Motorworks to my parts guys list. Thanks.

Hah ya, I guess my list of rolling stock shows I have a hard time getting rid of "good OLD stuff "

240Demon · #6 11-19-2003, 05:57 PM

Don't worry about adding Rocky Mountain Motorworks to your list, they are one of the worse Volkswagen suppliers. Their prices are exhorbitant. I have had the best luck with California Pacific VW Parts. They have great prices, good people and their shipping isnt outrageous either. So. Cal Imports has great prices, on some so-so stuff, but their people are schmucks. And their shipping is $$$$$$$$$$$.

Just my educated $0.02

Stevo · #7 11-19-2003, 07:26 PM

Wow ..I think back to when I did that bug work, shopping for parts, getting info, etc.. All together a different game now with the world at our finger tips...Had I a clue way back then, I would have stuck it out in typing class too.

#8 11-20-2003, 09:31 AM

mostly "stock" parts. On a lot of remanufactured parts, they've reengineered to avoid rust and other bugaboos, and their stuff has a lifetime warrenty.

You can get a discount from them if you are a member of a number of clubs, and there are other ways to "game" them, be you so inclined.

Not happy with the quality of their replacement chrome trim.

morgantruce · #9 11-20-2003, 10:52 AM

Considering the great diference in original sales price between the two cars, comparison seems quite unfair. Yet there is an undeniable feeling that the two cars share attitude.

I wiil offer this tidbit: On my recent 1,800 mile trip in my "new" 240D, there was only ONE exchange of a "high five." At a stoplight in New Mexico, stood a 1967 beetle. The two of us grinned with admiration for each other's ride. There was no need for gunning the engine or a speed race. We both just seemed to understand how much work and care it took to get this far.

#10 11-20-2003, 11:38 AM

Beetle and 240D shared integrity, incremental approach to engineering, refined if "oddball" technology (diesel vs aircooled), value for money, a certain timelessness, cachet.

Although meant for two income levels, both indicated "money saved" rather than money spent.
The model "L" Lincoln of the '20s and the Model A Ford also represented different extremes of the same philosophy.

I've said that Mercedes-Benz fall into two categories..."rich peoples' cars" and "smart peoples' cars," with 240s in the latter category. The beetle was also a "smart people's car," judging by the number of engineers, teachers, and others who bought a new one every three years.

Have had a beetle convertible since '73 (my first new car), and now have two 240s.

#11 12-10-2003, 03:37 PM

My Dad told the sotry of, in the early 60s, this guy at work had bought a new Beetle. Every week he'd come into the office bragging about the great gas mileage he was getting with his Beetle compared to the Buicks & Dodges, etc. of those days. Finally the other guys got sick of this bragging, so they each chipped in for some gas which they put in his tank when he wasn't looking. This went on for some time, putting in a little more each time. Consequently this guy would come in with ever increasing gas mileages, which he was finding harder to tell the others about! And, of course, the others would rib him even more, implying his claims were outrageous. When it got to 60 MPG they let him in on the joke. Never said a word about gas mileage after that!

clarknova · #12 12-10-2003, 06:40 PM

what a great thread!
I bought a 61 VW for $600 as an in-betweener till I found something better. That was four years and thousands of miles ago. She asks very little of me in the way of maintenance (minor tune-ups every 3,000) and she is my daily driver. Although the little 40hp 1200 is a bit underpowered for the freeway and she lacks the amenities of my 300D, but she is just a blast to drive around town (not to mention loud and obnoxious as all get out)!
As soon as I finish the cooling system on the 300D, the VW goes into the garage for complete rebuild (and some custom fabrication

) and the MB will be the daily.
I know I should probably sell the VW, but I just can't part with it, yet. Besides, she's just too much fun!

84300DT · #13 12-10-2003, 06:50 PM

my .02 on this thread

'73 green super bug. put 90k miles on it.

roof imploded at 120k (due to cracked pan) RIP - it is missed.

edge · #14 12-10-2003, 11:35 PM

Wow, I start this thread last April. Good to see that it's still alive & kicking!

lietuviai · #15 12-11-2003, 12:57 AM

The previous owner of my Cadillac totalled a bug with it. The bug was a real mess while the Caddy only suffered a slightly pushed in front bumper on the right side.