In a message dated 3/11/00 3:13:57 PM Eastern Standard Time,
pattypat@CADVISION.COM writes:

<< I am looking for information on 91  automatic Vanagon/Multi Van.  I have
 previously owned a 1985 Westy, 4 speed which unfortunately I had to
 sell.  I do lots of touring in the Canadian Rockies and it wasn't too
 bad on the hills.  The 91 Multi is unfortunately an automatic and I am
 concerned about the power it will have/not have.  What are listees
 experiences with automatic transmission??  Any other information or
 tidbits on this  type of VW greatly appreciated.
  >>

auto trannies are more relaiable than the 4spd ones.  the 4spd manual tranny
has a design flaw where they inevitably develop a crack in the 3/4 gear
slider hub necessitating the costly rebuild or replacement of the tranny.
top speed is the same between AT and manual. power loss is nil.  i have owned
both.
chris