[GingisK]

It could start regardless of the weather. I had a 1963 Beetle, which I really liked. The step ratio of the manual transmission was perfect. You could make any turn and go between fairly closely spaced objects. If you got stuck just a couple of people could get it out of the quagmire.

As for steep hills; well, it taught patience.

[V_TWIN]

Beetles with automatic transmissions were rare.....another drawback imo.

[Getready]

I think they brought out the 40 hp engine in 1965. Before that, it was 36 hp.
I would guess that 75 hp would be adequate for a 2000 lb. car of that era.
Used to drive a 1965 Austin 1100..49 hp...manual. Lots of pep and a hoot to drive.