Yeah, they improved the window rollers
Added side protection in the doors
Moved the fuel pump to stop vapor lock, etc.
They did improve the car over the years

BUT, lots of things got cheaper along the way, too.

OK, I'll start...

1970-1972 Metal rear trunk emblems
1973-1975 Plastic rear trunk emblems
1976 Vinyl sticker rear trunk emblems

Paul

Plastic everywhere on my 74, thats why my 72 will be a doner car.

early cars had window cranks with a chrome piece at the base (I think they were metal) and a plastic upper....later cars had a plastic cover....

-JON

All metal door lock handles and backing plates 1970-1972?
Plastic backing on later cars.

Paul

In 1973 they went from chrome metal and plastic cup version of the inner door handle to the one piece plastic part.

At the same time the window winders were simplified as well. This followed the VW parts changes since they were the same items.

The plastic panel under the passenger door pull replaced an upholstered part about 1975.

On the other hand, the 914 2.0 engine was developed, and that was a big improvement on what VW was able to offer.

I do have a few pet peeves where they could have saved more on some parts, for example why did they not use the same A-arms and torsion bars as the 914/6 and 911; that would have greatly increased the economy of scale. The same thing with the rear stub axles; why so many varieties with no good reason?