Compared to the beetle it's a tent on wheels. The beetle is quite strong for a car designed in those days.

Compared to a 2CV, I agree; but it was definitely less substantial than the average American sedan back then.

Yes, that's true whatever came out of Detroit in those days would classify as an armored vehicle now. The steel on those things was a time and a half as thick as your typical EU economy car. That showed up in the kerb weight as well.

The Thing is not the Beetle. Different cars.

Ah that one, sorry I didn't know it was marketed as the 'Thing'.

Yes, lots of parallels with the Mehari there. And with the Moke, similar concept but using Mini parts.