This is JMHO, but when I think about the Volkswagen Beetle, I think of a car originally designed as a 25 hp car designed to carry four people in reasonable comfort, safety and reliability, sort of the Germany's tin Lizzy; I believe the objective was to put an automobile into each German's garage. The car evolved into what is probably one of the most loved and recognized vehicles of all time. Good work, Ferdinand!
Speaking in general terms, it seems to me that when you take a basic, well thought out design and attempt to turn it into something quite different, the end result might compromise some of the basic design intententions with unexpected, unwanted and sometimes dangerous consequences. No slight is intended towards pan based Speedsters, since I owned one and thought it was pretty great. It did, however, have its limitations.
Looking back at the Beetle, I suggest that any vehicle that is purpose built and adheres to the original design intent is probably inherently superior to something modified, becomming substantially different, or at least this is my take on the matter. This is why I chose a tube frame car to replace my pan-based car.
As I stated, this is just my opinion. I could have kept my VS and still been very happy. But for someone who is shopping (David), I thought one person's experience might be helpful.
