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 |
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