1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 4MT
All Volkswagen Beetle Convertible trims (1949–1980) →
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Unverified
Photo: Volkswagen Beetle convertible front by Wagon Master Johnson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photo: Volkswagen Beetle from Morocco by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Photos show the Beetle Cabriolet (1949–1980); trim, color, and model year may differ.
All photo credits
- Photo: Volkswagen Beetle convertible front by Wagon Master Johnson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
- Photo: Volkswagen Beetle from Morocco by Rutger van der Maar, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 4MT is a 48-hp 1.6-liter flat-4 convertible with a 4-speed manual, fully synchronized transaxle and rear-wheel drive. It is rated at 20 mpg combined.
It makes 48 horsepower at 4,200 rpm. It carries an EPA rating of 20 mpg combined.
The Beetle Convertible measures 164.8 inches long on a 94.5-inch wheelbase.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | |
| Body Type | Convertible |
| Powertrain | Gas |
| Engine | |
| Engine Type | 1.6L air-cooled OHV flat-4, rear-mounted |
| Displacement | 1.6 L |
| Horsepower | 48 hp @ 4,200 rpm |
| Valvetrain | OHV, 2 valves per cylinder, pushrod |
| Injection Type | AFC fuel injection |
| Drivetrain | |
| Drive Type | Rear-wheel drive |
| Differential Type | Ring-and-pinion transaxle, double-jointed axles |
| Transmission | |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual, fully synchronized transaxle |
| Fuel Economy | |
| Combined | 20 MPG |
| Recommended Fuel | Leaded gasoline |
| Suspension | |
| Front Suspension | Independent coil/shock absorber struts, negative steering roll radius |
| Rear Suspension | Independent, trailing and diagonal arms, torsion bars |
| Turning Diameter | 29.5 ft |
| Brakes | |
| Front Brake Disc | Drum, dual circuit |
| Rear Brake Disc | Drum, dual circuit |
| Tires & Wheels | |
| Wheels Front | 4.5J x 15 |
| Wheels Rear | 4.5J x 15 |
| Tires Front | 165 SR 15 |
| Tires Rear | 165 SR 15 |
| Dimensions & Weight | |
| Length | 164.8 in |
| Width | 62.4 in |
| Height | 59.1 in |
| Wheelbase | 94.5 in |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 in |
| Cargo Volume | 7 ft³ |
Similar cars
Rivals to the 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible 4MT with similar size, power and price from around the same years.
Safety & Recalls
No NHTSA data available for the 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible.
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.