Volkswagen Beetle Forum : “what MPG did the '73 Beetle get?”

that is really hard to say.  the hard top did get better mpg, but it depended on when and where the tests were done.  you should expect a stock engine, in good tune, to get between 28-32mpg.  the converts were heavier and, witht he top down, were less aerodynamic.  they usually got around 24-28 on the highway.  city driving they both averaged around 26 or so.