-------------------
Hi Marty,
    It is a personal preference thing.  The late bay / bus  will cruise at
70 mph about the same as the van, it has less power but also less weight.
The van has better handling, heating, seating and cooling. The aux gas
heater takes care of the heat problem in a bay and is a plus when camping.
My wife likes both but prefers the bay.  Why not have one of each.
Darrell
 86 westy
78 westy
87 van under construction

-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Wallace <martywallace@ROCKETMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM <vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Saturday, October 24, 1998 12:21 AM
Subject: Your Opinion: Vanagon or Late Model Bus Westy?

>Volks-
>
>I bought a 1984 Westy this year, and I think that it is a wonderful
>vehicle.  I LOVE the (reasonably) powerful engine, the A/C, and the real
>heating system, but I can't help but yearn just a bit for a simpler (and
>cheaper!) air-cooled bus.  I'm never in a hurry (especially when
>traveling), so I don't really care about the underpowered nature of a
>late model bus, but the lack of A/C and decent heating might get to me
>after awhile.
>
>Anyway, I'm finding myself actually considering selling my (just now
>getting into nice condition) 84 Westy and buying a restored (or
>restorable) 1970s era camper bus...
>
>What do you think?  Would you trade the comfort and relative speediness
>of your Vanagon for the simplicity of a late model bus?  Anyone feel like
>you would NEVER go back after owning a Vanagon?  How about anyone with a
>bus who wouldn't own a Vanagon?
>
>I'm really interested in hearing your thoughts on this.
>
>Thanks,
>Marty Wallace, 1984 Westfalia "Heisenberg"
>(but, just maybe...a really fine example of a 1978 Westy someday...)
>Chico, California
>
>
>
>
>
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