I've got two possible explanations:

1) The driver of the Japanese hatchback was really, really bad.

2) The Japanese hatchback needed work... a lot of work.

Cheers,

Jeff

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Kim Brennan
Sent: Wednesday, October 08, 2003 10:28 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Differences between Passenger and Camper Syncros

I've been using my 91 Westy Syncro for the drive out to my WV place (3
hours one way). Mostly interstate, until I get within 30 miles or so. I
love my camper, but with a stock 2.1 engine (with 227K miles on it...if
I'm to believe the previous owner) it's a bit sluggish on the hills.
Any hills. Also the additional weight of the vehicle means that I feel
a bit uncomfortable throwing it around curves at speed.

On the other hand, my 86 7 Passenger Syncro is a whole different story.
I've a Tiico inline 4 cylinder in it. That, combined with the lesser
weight of the passenger Vanagon means it handles quite differently.

I was heading last night over to a former residence to pick up some
more stuff (my moves can last for months....) got into a Redlight drag
with one those japanese hatchbacks. He had the advantage at the light,
but when I got up to 5000rpms, the GoldBrick was really moving and went
through the sharp curve on to the Interstate MUCH faster than said
hatchback. I passed him on the ramp, and just kept accelerating, right
up to highway speed...Then I shifted in to 4th for the rest of the
drive. I think he's still trying to figure out how I did that.

The GoldBrick handles really nicely in the curves and the Tiico's
broader range of RPMs (at least where >I< feel safe) than the stock
wasserboxer adds a nice dollop of acceleration that my camper just
doesn't have. A real pleasure to drive around.