overall ..
the 5 speed trans is always better.
where it really shines is having 3 ratios to use between about 35 or 40
mph..
and whatever top speed is.

additionally ..it's nicely tallishly geared in top gear...and certainly not
undergeared in top gear.

and ..it has 'half a granny' for 1st gear.
Once in a while that's nice to have.

btw...
coming online these days is a true, close-ratio 5 speed trans for vanagons..
and that is a Subaru 2WD transaxle with a reversed ring and pinion in it.

Should be  ideal for most road-going 2WD vanagons.

Scott
www.turbovans.com

----- Original Message -----
From: "ralph meyermann" <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 1:29 PM
Subject: Re: 5 speed

> Are the 5 spd transmission weaker?
>
> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
>
> On Jan 12, 2012 3:17 PM, "Stacy Schneider" <vwcrewman@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>       If it had a five speed I Would only take it to sell and use the
> money to rebuild my four speed .
>
> -Stacy