The Vanagon version of the diesel 1.6 was rated at about 10% LESS peak
HP than the car versions but they had similar power at normal driving
rpms. The 48 hp engine needs to be wound up to a pretty high rpm to make
enough power to push our bricks at highway speed. VW geared the diesel
van 4 spd trannys to do just that.

In 82 models there were 3 different manual transmission gearings sold in
Vanagons in the USA/CA. 2 of those were in diesel vans

most common diesel, DZ trans code
stock 810 rev/mile tires, 70 mph in 4th, 4600 rpm

less common diesel, DM trans code
stock 810 rev/mile tires, 70 mph in 4th, 4250 rpm

aircooled 2.0 boxer gas, DK trans code
stock 810 rev/mile tires, 70 mph in 4th, 3700 rpm

Mark

Stephen Engel wrote:
> I dare say even the VW Diesel cars (Rabbit, Dasher, Jetta) of that era were dangerously slow. I think they used the same engine or a variant very close to the Vanagon’s.