I have an '82 diesel westy with a blown 1.7NA diesel that I put in last
fall.  I never really drove the van with the 1.6NA so I cannot compare
the two but I do know that the 1.7NA was a little loud at highway speeds
for my taste... especially for the people in the back seat.  I made some
attempts at sound proofing with some rigid insulation over the engine
compartment and along the back of the storage compartment under the rear
seat.  This helped a little but I am really interested in hearing
people's comments regarding whether the 1.9NA's or 1.9TD's are louder or
quieter than the 1.6's?
Seems that many folks with diesels have issues with noise and speed.
Perhaps it's because I drove air-cooled buses for so long but I don't
really have any complaints about noise or speed.  I don't consider my 83
diesel westy to be any louder than my 69 or 79 buses.  As far as speed
goes, sure it has the acceleration of a snail but once it gets a full
head of steam up, it cruises 65 - 70 mph easily (although I prefer to
keep it at 60.......that's my style!). I have the 5-speed with
it....probably makes a difference.

I would suggest going to a gasoline engine if you want performance and
something that isn't quite as loud.

Hmmmm I consider the 35+ mpg a real benefit of owning a diesel.  My '79,
at best, was getting 19-20 mpg so if you like to travel distances, the
diesel is the way to go (IMHO).

Bob

'69 westy (max)
'83 d'sel westy (neuman)