How to tell if you have sealed beam head lights or ellipsoid healights?

[bmw325csi]

most verts, if not all had ellipsoids

[MattM]

first is sealed, second is ellips, third is smiley ellips...


if you have removable bulbs on the back side you have ellips

Ellips have much better lighting output, along with the ability to run aftermarket bulbs(PIAA, Silverstar,etc) or even HID's

[IS300E30]

Sealed beams



Ellipsoids



Euro "Smiley" ellipsoids

So, the top picture is of the "Sealed Beams" and the second picture is of the "Ellipsoids" , correct?

[Holland]

Sealed beams



Ellipsoids



Euro "Smiley" ellipsoids

[IS300E30]

Can you tell by looking at them? Also, what is the actual difference in performance?

My car is a 7/87 convertible if that makes a difference