I know of a Vanagon which hit a rock face at close to 80km/h and the driver
walked away thanks to seatbelts and the construction of the van. I have seen
North American Vans with lighter impacts where the drivers had to be cut out
of the vehicle. 

It also depends on the condition of the vehicle. I attended a serious
accident where a guy had replaced the floor in his Karman Ghia with plywood
and used wood screws to fasten the seat to the floor. Don't do that! It was
not a pretty sight.

I find the rear panels a bit weak though. They don't even stand up to a
jackknifing utility trailer .....

Bj�rn Ratjen

1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized)
1995 Passat TD
(1982 Vanagon Diesel)
1979 VW Bus (self- camperized)