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- 1978 Iltis (183)
Volkswagen1978 Volkswagen Iltis (183) Dimensions, Size & Specs| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1978 |
| Production Years: | 1978 - 1988 discontinued in 1988 |
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) is a distinctive off-road vehicle produced between 1978 and 1988, renowned for its robust 4x4 capability and versatile cabriolet design. Developed originally for military and utility purposes, the Iltis stands as an icon of compact yet rugged off-road transport during the late 20th century. With its production spanning a decade, this model combined functional design with simplicity suited for challenging terrain.
The Iltis measured approximately 3.85 meters (151.6 inches) in length, making it a compact vehicle capable of maneuvering through tight off-road environments. Its width was around 1.68 meters (66.1 inches), while the height was approximately 1.75 meters (68.9 inches), providing a balanced profile that supported both stability and ground clearance. The cabriolet body style allowed the roof to be removed, enhancing versatility and driving experience in open-air conditions, which was relatively rare among utility 4x4 vehicles of its era.
Weighing around 1,400 kilograms (3,086 lbs), the Iltis was powered by a reliable engine designed to deliver adequate torque and traction for off-road performance. Its drivetrain was engineered for tough terrains, making it popular not just with military users but also off-road enthusiasts and civil operators looking for a dependable, multifunctional vehicle.
Overall, the Volkswagen Iltis (183) represents a classic blend of compact dimensions and durable off-road capability. It remains a noteworthy example of Volkswagen’s successful venture into military-inspired vehicles adapted for broader civilian use. Whether compared with modern off-roaders or its contemporaries, the Iltis holds a unique place in automotive history, combining a rugged construction with a practical cabriolet design that offers both functionality and driving enjoyment.
Discover the standout features that make the 1978 Volkswagen Iltis a leader in its class
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The Volkswagen Iltis (183), manufactured between 1978 and 1988, measures approximately 3,785 mm (149 inches) in length, 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) in width, and 1,815 mm (71.5 inches) in height. These dimensions give it a compact but robust profile typical of off-road vehicles from its era, making it balanced for maneuverability while maintaining sufficient space for passengers and off-road capability.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) features a wheelbase of about 2,350 mm (92.5 inches), which contributes to its stable handling both on and off-road. Additionally, it has a ground clearance of approximately 190 mm (7.5 inches), which is adequate for traversing rough terrain and obstacles, reinforcing its off-road versatility.
The curb weight of the Volkswagen Iltis (183) stands around 1,485 kg (3,274 lbs). This moderate weight is a balance between sturdiness and agility, allowing the vehicle to maintain good traction and stability off-road, while still being manageable enough to navigate challenging environments.
While the Volkswagen Iltis (183) is a compact off-road vehicle, it has a practical interior layout designed for both passengers and cargo. Seating usually accommodates four to five occupants comfortably. Cargo space is modest due to the compact size, focusing more on utility and ruggedness than large storage capacity. Its cabriolet configuration offers flexible use of space, although exact cargo volume figures are limited.
Standard residential garages typically range around 2.4 to 3 meters (8 to 10 feet) wide and 5 to 6 meters (16 to 20 feet) long. Given the Iltis's dimensions—approximately 3.785 meters (149 inches) in length and 1.7 meters (66.9 inches) in width—the vehicle fits comfortably in a standard garage, with ample clearance on all sides for easy parking and maneuvering.
When compared to contemporaries like the Jeep CJ series or the Land Rover Series III, the Volkswagen Iltis (183) holds its own with a ground clearance of 190 mm (7.5 inches), which is slightly above average for its class. Its sophisticated all-wheel drive system, originally developed for military use, gave it superior traction and off-road performance, often outperforming many civilian off-road vehicles of the same era, especially in European environments.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) was a pioneering off-road vehicle that did not have a direct civilian predecessor within Volkswagen’s lineup, diverging from the company’s standard passenger cars. Compared to Volkswagen’s Beetle or Transporter series, the Iltis was more focused on rugged off-road performance, with compact dimensions optimized for durability and maneuverability in tough terrains, rather than passenger comfort or cargo volume.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) was primarily offered as a rugged off-road vehicle with a cabriolet (convertible) body style option. This feature allowed for an open-air driving experience, which was uncommon for vehicles designed with military and off-road use in mind. The cabriolet design enhanced the vehicle's versatility, making it attractive both for recreational off-road enthusiasts and professional users needing adaptable, open-top transport.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) employs a sophisticated full-time four-wheel-drive system developed originally for military purposes. This drivetrain includes selectable low-range gearing, locking differentials, and a robust transmission setup, providing excellent traction and control on challenging terrains. Its drivetrain helped the Iltis excel in off-road competitions and military applications, making it one of the most capable 4x4 vehicles of its time.
The Volkswagen Iltis (183) differs from similar vehicles like the Jeep CJ and Land Rover Series III in several ways. While slightly shorter in length (3,785 mm/149 inches) than some Jeep CJ variants, the Iltis offers comparable width and height. Its ground clearance of 190 mm (7.5 inches) puts it in the mid-range for off-road clearance, and its innovative all-wheel-drive system provides superior traction compared to some competitors. Weight-wise, it is moderately lighter than many Land Rover versions, contributing to its nimbleness. The Iltis's cabriolet option also sets it apart by offering an open-top experience uncommon in many rugged military-style vehicles.
