Can the old VW bugs drive on or underwater?

Answer 1

No. If the body seals are in good shape, a Beetle can float for a fairly long time, however, the water will choke out the ignition system, so it won't run there. At least not without body modifications.

There was a Volkswagen-based vehicle during WWII called the Kubelwagen, that was the German Army's idea of a Jeep. A variant of the Kubel, fitted with a sealed engine bay, a small propeller/rudder assembly & a more dynamic nose (Schwimmwagen) not only could float, but could actually "drive on water" for extended times at a speed of about 5 knots.
Check out this link: (cut & paste)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schwimmwagen

Answer 2

There was a car long time ago that actually drive in the water. It would float and had a small propeller in the rear end. But, it not gain popularity.
Most cars can drive under water (Completely Submerged). Many 4 wheel drives and some military vehicles can do this. They use what is called a "Snorkel" this is up high and has to stay above the water. It is connected to the air intake on the vehicle.

Answer 3

There was a Volkswagen ad a long time ago for the Beetle that said "Volkswagen's unique construction keeps dampness out" and showed a picture of a Beetle sitting in water.

getting it to float is one thing, but getting it to drive? not sure if that would be possible without some serious modifications.

as for driving underwater, as long as the engine was getting fuel, air and spark it would run. if the spark plugs got wet, or the intake was submerged and sucking water, or the fuel was contaminated with water it would not work. sounds like a fun project to try tho!

Answer 4

Like everyone else says.. they will float. If new they would float for a Looooong time.. but today these same cars are 40 to 50 years old and between rust and worn gaskets they are going to leak.

It will prob. even run but when the water reaches the level of the electronic regulator near the battery things will go downhill quickly (the lowest piece of function electronic gear).

Even if THAT doesn't stop it, when the water reaches the distributor cap things will stop quickly as it will short out the points.

BUT.. at that point you should be standing on the roof and deciding which shoreline is closer.

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Answer 5

the old vw bugs would "float" a long time before sinking. Some people did weld up the seams and added conversion kits that would allow them to go across small ponds on very stable water.

Answer 6

yes,they will float for up to 10 minutes,in ww2 the german army used a kubbelwagen,(think vw thing) and also beetles,they would use them to ford across streams and ponds,and some smaller rivers equipped with flippers on the wheels for propulsion,i can't remember the website where I saw this,but I think I also read it in the book Small Wonder.

Answer 7

They can drive better in shallow water than regular cars of the same size because they are heavier and the weight is in the back (they are great in snow too). But no unless with modification, it cannot drive underwater :)

Answer 8

Nope they will not run underwater or above. what your thing of when they were brand new the cars would float, the car was so sealed up that it would float. you can find a video on youtube.

Answer 9

They don't drive on water, but they do float. If Ted Kennedy had been driving a Bug he would've been president.

Answer 10

sure will. All cars will drive underwater.


Not for long, but they will.

This practice is not recomended. PETA gets upset.