Great link Sam.

If we were all loaded I'm sure we would upgrade but it's nice to know
the old Vanagon has a few qualities that stand the test of time. 

It's great to see steering colum goes up and not into the driver. As fas
as crashes go that interior looks pretty spacious. 

Makes a great case for ensuring the doors are locked that is foe sure as
well. And look even the left headlight still works. 

I think also the height of a vanagon gives a huge advantage when
crashing - even with modern SUVs I still look down to see them below.
The bumper and frame slice into other cars.  

http://www.dropgates.com/crash/crash.jpg

http://www.dropgates.com/crash/volvo.jpg

JP Burdett | Product Marketing Manager
Spotwave Wireless Inc. 

Tel: 613.591.1662 Ext.297 | Fax: 613.591.8107  | Mobile: 613.294.8942
1 Hines Road. Suite 204 Ottawa ON. CANADA | K2K 3C7
jp.burdett@spotwave.com  |  www.spotwave.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Sam Stone
Sent: Friday, December 22, 2006 2:23 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Improvements to Vanagon crash safety? Maybe time for a
Eurovan camper?

See:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=175672&highlight=safety

take care,
Sam

neil wrote:
> Hi all.
>
> In light of a recent vehicle accident I had, (in daily driver Honda) 
> I'm reconsidering my options for a camper van. Even though I too have 
> grown very fond of my Vanagon/Westy, I'm curious about a later model 
> Vanagon or the Eurovan. As such did some reading and have some 
> questions.
>
> Have there been any significant improvements made to later model 
> Vanagons/Westies in regards to crash safety?
>
> If not, and since I've gathered that the Eurovan may be safer, is it 
> as good of a camper (functionality/interior) as the Westy?
>
> Given what I've read of Eurovan campers, it seems the actual Westy is 
> a better camper all round. Just looking for any real life experience.
> I guess I should ask the camper quesiton on WetWesties too....
>
> I realize I'm still swayed by my emotions due to accident, and that 
> there are many other factors, (other that vehicle design) involved in 
> being safe in any vehicle. Regardless, I would like to *possibly* make

> a better choice to satisfy my camping habit.
>
> TIA,
>
> --
> Neil Nicholson. Still in love with his 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia.
>
> http://web.mac.com/tubaneil
>