Date:         Sun, 15 Oct 1995 16:55:22 -0400
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         SyncroHead@aol.com
Subject:      Re: Syncros and Winter

In a message dated 95-10-15 13:39:10 EDT, msanner@hooked.net (Matthew Sanner)
writes:

>Was in a discussion with two friends yesterday. One has a 4x4 and the 
>other has a Vanagon Syncro. They were debating whether the Syncro 
>would be a good car in snow ( the snycro has yet to be tested in snow 
>by my friend).
>snip>
>The 4x4 argument was that the Syncro wheel base is too long 
>for the syncro to be effective in fighting slipping and sliding in 
>the snow, becuase of over compensation at the front end. 
>snip>
>So my question to all you knowledgable Syncrometers - How does the 
>Syncro handle in Snow/Ice Winter conditions?
>Thanks!
>Matt

Hey Matt, that's Syncronauts to you!  :-)

In my limited experience, (Wintertime in the mountains, skiing, etc.) the
Syncro has been excellent in the snow but I haven't encountered much ice. The
line about the long wheelbase doesn't seem to make any sense to me, even if
the Syncro had a long wheelbase.  The Syncro has a relatively short
wheelbase, I remember it beeing just about 6" longer than a CJ7.  An
important key to traction in the Syncro or the friend's 4x4 is a Locking
Differential.  This was an option on the Syncro rear differential and
available aftermarket for the 4x4.  I can make all the difference in the
world!

Somehow, I don't think that any volume of Internet comments will settle this
argument.  Your friends are just going to do some head-to-head testing to see
for themselves!

Jim Davis, Syncronaut-1st Class
87 Syncro
88 Wolfsburg