What is the difference between the Super Beetle and the standard Beetle?

There are several differences depending on the year model, but there are only a couple absolute ways to tell the difference.

1. The Super Beetle has a MacPherson Strut front end.
2. The spare tire lays flat.

Other ways that some people believe tell the difference are not accurate, such as.

1. ALL Super Beetles have a rounded windshield.
2. There are louvres on the front apron.
3. Full size padded dashboard.

While it is true that these 3 things occur only in Super Beetles, the first 2 years of production the Super Beetle had the same flat windshield and flat dashboard as all Beetles to that point. The louvres on the front apron were used on different Beetles depending on versions with Air Conditioners.

So the best way to tell the difference between a Super Beetle and a standard Beetle is the front suspension. If it has MacPherson Struts, it is a Super Beetle.