Major mind boggler.

[Trickydicky]

Generally all you have to do with points is set the gap each service, electronic is a fit and forget system. Each system has its advantages and disadvantages. If you decide to go with points and condenser then buy your parts from the distributor doctor, his components are of better quality.
You can buy the electronic ignition module from Accuspark on it's own.
Ultimately it's your choice!

[SteveClem]

I've had Accuspark systems on both Minors and my A30 for several years and they've been totally trouble free. So I thought I'd do the same on my Beetle. The first was intermittently faulty so was replaced by another that refused to work at all. Back on points and condenser now and all is well. Supplier reports that he's had lots of reliability problems with Accuspark lately.
Maybe they are being made by a different manufacturer now and the quality isn't as good?

[Declan_Burns]

If you buy (and I wouldn't do it again)an Accuspark distributor then buy a decent distributor cap as the Accuspark caps are pure rubbish. I have gone through two of them in the last year with problems of premature carbon brush failure. Here is a source:
http://www.distributordoctor.com/

Regards
Declan

[martinminor89]

What are we talking when it comes to winter? any real difference firing up and performance with points?

[Trickydicky]

I changed to electronic mainly to eliminate the maintance of points and I was fed up with cheap ignition parts.I find it starts easier and runs smoother.
It is claimed that you get better mpg with electronic ignition but to be honest I am more interested in driving the car than worrying about mpg
But the main thing I noticed was the smoother running and the easier starting.

[oliver90owner]

Generally all you have to do with points is set the gap each service

That sentence, alone, indicates that the timing is altered from perfect(?) To 'needs returning to 'perfect'' at each service interval, so was substandard anytime after the previous service. Electronic timing and ignition clearly win over that, as no deterioration in spark quality or timing, from day one until ... eternity or system failure.

RAB

[martinminor89]

I think after some careful thought, I'm going to see how having points and condenser pan out, I can easily pick up an electronic ignition in the future should I need one, the points have been gaped brilliantly too, and it's had a lot of replacements so it should really feel like a different car all together than the one I last drove.

Thanks for all your help, you've been fantastic