I have to aggree that german engines like rpms.  My '71 911 is basically
flat under 3000 and it has "milder" E cams in it.  I don't shift until
about 6000!  My Jetta is similar (not as high though).  It "luggs" at
anything under 2000.  The redlines are marked for a reason, if yours is
5500 or 6000 it is fairly safe to go to 5000 here and there!
What is crazy is my dads 911 with race cams, it has NO power under 4500
and doesn't really get on the cam and power until 7500 and CAN go to
8000.  That actually scares me but it is built to run there (and is
actually close to stock other than cams).

Eric