Austin,

I have had both a 83 Vanagon Westfalia and replaced it with a 87 Syncro
Westfalia.  I prefer the syncro, it fits into my family's lifestyle
better.  Both are excellent vehicles.  I sold the 83 when I located the
Syncro.  It had 130K miles on it, original everything including the
clutch.  The next owner drove it to 165K miles, then had the engine
rebuilt when he stripped the engine oil drain plug and it was smoking.

Snow:
My 1983 Vanagon Westfalia was unsatisfactory in snow.  I previously had a
71 bus which was excellent.   The Vanagon has nearly perfect 50/50 front
to rear weight distribution, so the advantage of rear engine, rear wheel
drive is negated.  Most of this weight redistribution was achieved by
relocating the fuel tank and spare tire to the front.  If you have to deal
with a lot of snow, consider the Syncro.  The Syncro also gives you the
ability to lock the rear differential when / if you get stuck.  This
feature has gotten me out of a couple of messes when adventuring in the
mountains in the winter!!

This year I have Nokia Haakapallita studded snow tires from Finland on the
Syncro.  I'm seriously considering driving it at the ice races that the
Porsche club has here in January.  It should be great fun!!!

Advantages of Syncro:
Five forward gears, including "granny" low.  Good for limited back-country
camping.
Higher ground clearance.
Bigger air cleaner with water trap in intake.
Skid Plates
Better ride due to increased weight

Disadvantages of Syncro:
Several hundred pounds heavier: slower, more cumbersome handling
18MPG vs 20+ for standard Vanagon
Won't fit in my garage, too tall by about 1".
More difficult to shift than 2WD Vanagon
Weird gas tank;  Very difficult to get full.  Doesn't vent very well.

Regards,

Jon Kanas
kanas@qadas.com