In a message dated 98-03-26 09:31:09 EST, condor2@flash.net writes:

<< -I'll- reiterate, a few mm changes in offset -will- change the geometry and
 handling of the vehicle noticeably.
  >>

this "offset" difference is SO small, and affects nothing as far as stability.
i find it interesting that someone goes into such anal depth about something
they know NOTHING about, and haven't even tried.
the audi wheels are just as strong as the Carat wheels.
i have a set of each here, and was comparing them last night.
there is just as much "meat" around the lug holes on both.
depending on what tire you use, the audi wheel can sit at the same height as
the Carat wheel.
(see:
http://www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/turner/
and scroll down)
depending on which way you go about mounting, you can get away without using
the thin spacer up front, so the wheels track the same.
when you use the audi 5000 lug bolts up front and elongated studs on the rear,
you have more than sufficient grip on the threads.
audi 5000 lug bolts cam be had anywhere.
the 15" wheel gives you a whole broader range of tire choices, and lets you
into the world of LT tires, if they are what you chose.

if you are driving in a windstorm, your van will sway, no matter what wheels
you have on it.
if you make a 90 degree turn at 70 mph, you will flip your van over, no matter
what wheels you have on it..

depending on which tire you choose, the audi wheels can ride at the same
height as the VW wheel.

try it...you might like it..

chris
'84 audi 5000s TURBO with the 15" alloys
'84 Vanagon  with the audi turbo 15" alloys, and no difference in handling..