Hans:

I have owned a '61 and a '67 split-window, a '76,
an '81 and an '87.

I thought the '76 was the least comfortable to drive,
and the Vanagons the most comfortable.

I love my '81 which I have had since new, and I love
the air-cooled engine, but it is certainly noiser
than the '87.  Of course, this is comparing a big,
empty 7-passenger with a Westy, but it is also
rubber mats vs carpet, etc.

Also the '87 has much more (and smoother) power in
most situations than the '81.  But it is certainly
more complicated--with water, power steering, etc.

I definitely recommend Vanagons over the bay windows.

                        Richard A. Jones
                        Boulder, Colorado
                        '81 Vanagon   Mr Bus
                        '87 Syncro Westy   El Jefe