>   we have a GL with the automatic, and a miniature daschound named oscar 
>   meyer. the dog may not have much to do with the van, but he is important 
>   to us.

We have a 106-lb. Yellow Lab named Pongo, he is important to us :-)

>   i would think that the term "adequate power" would be fitting ONLY for
>   those of us that know what the previous "normal" amount of power for a VW
>   van is.  
>   i find myself with the throttle wide open when getting onto the freeway,
>   and a few other times, and that's more often than i am realy comfortable
>   with. 
>   but i must say that at those times, there is actualy a fair amount of
>   power. enough to be considered "adequate", but far from the 396 gas 
>   guzzler V8 i am used to.

The engine of the MV especially good torque at low rpm.  However, this probably
makes it a bad candidate for automatic transmission, unless it's a tigthly
coupled one.  I have the 5-speed EV GL, and am very impressed at its
acceleration and climbing power.  Let's see: 396 means 6.5 liters.. the
EV has the 5-cyl 2.5 liter engine -- imagine what it would be like if you
had two of those in tandem :-)

>
>   and speaking of gas guzzling, 10mpg in the city, and 15mpg at 65mph on 
>   the highway is not close enough for me to what was posted on the window 
>   sticker when we bought it.

Really?  this is for the EV?  We are getting 23+ mpg highway (average
speed of 70 mph) and 19+ city.   This, and the power you are talking about
when pulling onto highways suggests there's something wrong with the 
engine or adjustments.  Have it checked before warranty expires!!!

>   > > EV Winnebago is not for us. We'll hold for a EuroVan MV Weekender. There is
That's what we decided also...
Cetin
cs@karin.att.com