Date:         Mon, 11 Aug 97 08:49:05 -0700
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         bachmanb@smtpgw1.plk.af.mil
Subject:      Type IV engine - somewhat off topic.


     Austin wrote:
     
          Remember the 'Porsche' 914 with the VW Vanagon engine ? - & the 
          VW dealers would then have the audacity to tell prospective 
          buyers that they were getting a Porsche engine in the Vanagon 
          (made me want to puke).
     
     Whoa there, pardner!
     
     (Nitpicky mode on)
     
     Let's not forget why they were called "Type IV" engines.  First 
     introduced on the 411 in the late sixties, then used on the (U.S. at 
     least) breadbox Type II starting in 1972; finally carried through to 
     the first Vanagons in 1980.
     
     (now for the "begats")
     
     Before you get too ill, remember that for many years, Porsches shared 
     a lot of similarities with VW; sort of a VW on steroids.  And 
     internationally, it's all the same company.  Since VAG decided to call 
     the 914 a Porsche (albeit it was badged VW-Porsche in Europe), I guess 
     it is.  'Course it really was a VW motor, but since the design is Dr. 
     Ferdinand's, then by geneaology, all VW air cooled engines are 
     Porsches by virtue of being Porsche's design.
     
     Ever drive a 914?  I liked it better than the 912.  Better handling; 
     peppy.  And it was less expensive to maintain.  What a sports car used 
     to be!
     
     -Blaine
     
     91 Westfalia
     72 411
     86 Golf