A Startling Discovery:

I just did the math, and my old '61 bug, with a '66 1300 50 hp engine weighed 1716
lbs..  My '91 Vanagon with '89 1.8 105 hp I-4 engine weighs about 3300 lbs. empty.
So, the bug had 34.3 lbs./hp. while the Vanagon has 31.5 lbs./hp..   The Owner's
Service Manual for the 1300 states 4000 rpm @ 75 mph for the bug and it's 4000 rpm @
72 mph for the Vanagon.

The bug was "overall ratioed" 4% lower than the Vanagon (slower accelleration all
things being equal), but, on top of that, the Vanagon has an, 8% fewer lbs./hp.,
advantage over the bug.  Throw in the, at least 2000 rpm redline, advantage of the
Vanagon, and you have quite a performer when compared to that bug.

Just wanted to share that. :)

Dana