On Tue, 9 Dec 2003, dr wrote:

> If you choose a bus of any year, make sure you sit inside and realize
> how much less room there is as compared to the vanagon.  That was our
> deciding factor.  good luck!

There are other things I really appreciate about my Vanagon vs. the bus I
used to own:

- Better sound insulation.  It's still not *good*, mind you, but it's
better!

- Rack-and-pinion steering.  You don't get that loose, drifty feeling on
center that you do in a bus.  Even with a worn-out rack the steering feel
of my Vanagon is ten times tighter than it ever was on my '75 bus.  This
makes driving a lot more relaxing.

- Something about the aerodynamics or suspension dynamics makes the
Vanagon get pushed around less in crosswinds.  You still have to be on top
of it when you're in a stiff breeze, but gusts no longer cause involuntary
lane-changes.

- Real electric windshield washers and interval wipers!  (It's about
time!)

- The camper equipment and layout is greatly improved over '75 and earlier
models.  I think the later model buses had updated equipment more like the
Vanagon's.  (Beware 1979, though -- it has a one-year-only exhaust
system.)

- Swivel seats up front.  Very nice.  When I'm camping I like to turn the
passenger seat 90 degrees, rest my feet on the driver's seat, and read the
paper while enjoying the view out the windshield.

Downsides:

- Vanagons aren't quite as charming as the old buses.  You don't get as
much attention.  (For some people this would be considered an advantage.)

- Parts availability for the buses is, perversely, somewhat better.  The
Vanagon aftermarket is catching up, though.

- Off-road traction sucks compared to a bus.

David Brodbeck, N8SRE
'82 Volkswagen Diesel Westfalia
'94 Honda Civic Si -- For Sale
'86 Volvo 240DL wagon