Working properly, the automatics are quicker off the line. The only
problem at highway speed is the slippage of the torque converter as
there is no lock up. The overall final drive ratio is the same as a
standard 4 speed. Although they do eventually wear and require some
service before 200K, they don't break unexpectedly line the 4 speeds.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of pronks
Sent: Friday, September 09, 2005 4:49 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Auto to manual conversion

Hi, could those on the list who have done an auto to manual conversion
or owned a auto and manual advise as to whether they thought the manual
was superior in terms of acceleration, fuel economy, and top cruising
speed?
Or was the difference only marginal.
Any observations would be appreciated.
Thanks
John