At 04:08 PM 7/21/98 -0700, you wrote:

>Craig writes:
>
>>could go all over the place.  I've heard that the Vanagon isn't as good
>>as a bus, but I don't think that there is that much difference.
>

>Well I think there is a BIG difference between the off road ability of the 2
>wheel drive Vanagon and loaf.
>
>Certainly good tires help, but there is something about the Vanagon's
>suspension (I think it is less "compliant" ) and the more equal weight
>distribution is a handicap off road.
>
>You really notice it when the van is at an angle, either when you are
>crawling along a dry river/creek bed or when you have one side in a rut.
>
>Traction in snow is also not as good as the loaf.
>
>
>Alistair (syncro envy!)
>
I'll second this. I spent many years driving through snow, ice & 'mild' off
roading with a '70 (Corvair powered) bus, and since getting the '87 Vanagon
am constantly amazed at how much worse it is compared to the 'loaf'.
Howsomever, the '87 handles, stops, heats, rides, etc etc etc *much* better
than the '70.

Austin