1. Air-cooled Flat-Four Engine (1938-2003):
- The original VW Beetle was powered by an air-cooled, four-cylinder, horizontally opposed engine. This design was later called the "boxer" engine due to the opposing movement of the pistons.
- The early Beetles had a displacement of 995 cc, producing around 25 horsepower. Over the years, the displacement increased to 1,584 cc, with more powerful versions producing up to 44 horsepower.
- The air-cooled design allowed the engine to be placed lower in the vehicle, providing a low center of gravity and contributing to the Beetle's stability.
2. Water-cooled Flat-Four Engine (1971-2003):
- In the later years of the Beetle's production, a water-cooled version of the flat-four engine was introduced. This engine had a displacement of 1,600 cc and produced around 50 horsepower.
- The water-cooled design provided more efficient engine cooling and improved overall performance.
3. Diesel Engine (1951-1972):
- The Beetle was also offered with a diesel engine, initially a 1.5-liter unit and later a 1.6-liter version. These diesel engines were known for their fuel efficiency and durability.
It's important to note that the engine configuration and displacement may vary depending on the year and specific model of the VW Beetle.
