Date:         Tue, 21 Jul 1998 16:27:22 -0700
Reply-To:     Craig Standley <cstand@U.WASHINGTON.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Craig Standley <cstand@U.WASHINGTON.EDU>
Subject:      Re: vanagon off-road capable?
Comments: To: Alistair Bell <albell@UVIC.CA>
Comments: cc: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
In-Reply-To:  <199807212310.QAA190134@uvaix7e1.comp.UVic.CA>
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII

I think I should qualify this-I have an '81, so the drivetrain is the same
as on the loafs.  However the weight distribution is different, so that
does affect the handling.

Now that I think about it, maybe the drivetrain isn't the same.  I assumed
it was because the motor is, but the tranny could be different (although I
imagine that for cost reasons it isn't).

Craig

------------------------------------------------------------------
Craig Standley                             cstand@u.washington.edu
University of Washington     http://weber.u.washington.edu/~cstand
Physics
------------------------------------------------------------------

On Tue, 21 Jul 1998, Alistair Bell wrote:

> Craig writes:
>
> >could go all over the place.  I've heard that the Vanagon isn't as good
> >as a bus, but I don't think that there is that much difference.
>
> Well I think there is a BIG difference between the off road ability of the 2
> wheel drive Vanagon and loaf.
>
> Certainly good tires help, but there is something about the Vanagon's
> suspension (I think it is less "compliant" ) and the more equal weight
> distribution is a handicap off road.
>
> You really notice it when the van is at an angle, either when you are
> crawling along a dry river/creek bed or when you have one side in a rut.
>
> Traction in snow is also not as good as the loaf.
>
>
> Alistair (syncro envy!)
>