>> Subaru heater hoses? 1 meter total? Protected from the elements in the
>> engine compartment. Vanagon heater hoses? 6 meters total? Hanging out
>> in the breeze.
>
> What the heck difference does that make before the thermostat opens up?

Well, heater circuit is independent of the radiator circuit. If you're
trying to heat up the front heater core you're circulating 6 meters of
5/8" hose worth of ice cold water into the engine. Also, most cars
recirculate interior air through the heater core, while the Vanagon
draws only butt-cold outside air. That's a sight more cold to fight
off than the Subaru has. My wife's 94 Civic is up to operating temp
almost before it gets out of the driveway. I have to go 3 miles at
least in the morning before I dare open the vent in my work Vanagon.

--
John Bange
'90 Vanagon - "Lastwagen"
'90 Vanagon GL - "Wiesel"