I had an 84 passenger van that got that same mileage. When I got the Syncro I thought something was wrong for a long time. The 2.1 is definitely thirstier. Syncro, automatic, power steering, AC just bring it down from there. For some reason VW just hasn't gotten the gasoline fuel economy thing figured out yet even in the newer ones. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jack R
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2019 11:07 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: So what's the most efficient speed to cruise at?

Hi Jeff

Efficient, is a bit subjective... (fuel vs. time) I also depends on motor and transmission, weight etc.

My 84 Manual Westy gets 21 MPG highway, we two on board and no exterior accessories and a weekend worth of water / gear.  When I travel around 60 MPH I get 21 MPG, it drops to 17 MPG at 70 MPH.  Note, I have a well tuned 2.1L from a 91 Westy.

The aerodynamics of a piece of plywood doesn't help.
See this link.
https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.arcindy.com%2Feffect-of-aerodynamic-drag-on-fuel-economy.html&data=02%7C01%7C%7C808e4724f8a14fc97b2008d6dc6b9c83%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C636938752095783806&sdata=koCCy%2FVWO%2FE2b9RZjf5H9Jsie2Nnk3RcH1%2BhDWFTBvo%3D&reserved=0

So, when the weather is nice, and I want to get to my destination a bit sooner, the value of time savings outweighs that of fuel economy.

On average, I travel at 70 to 75 mph, even with AC on.
When I had my 1.9L, my average speed was 65 to 70 mph @ 19 MPG.

Jack R.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Palmer
Sent: Sunday, May 19, 2019 10:36 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: So what's the most efficient speed to cruise at?

2.1 auto. Curious!
Jeff

Sent from my iPhone