I don't get it

Why no discussion regarding the VW powered vs the subaru powered replicas in the 'thinking of buying one' article? Is this discussed someplace in the forums, i don't seem to find a search function.

I just visited most all the makers sites. Why would anyone pay *more* or about the same for a VW powered replica when they can get a subaru one for the same price? Am i missing something?

Tradition. Simple as that. If you're willing to think outside the box and mid-engine your car, then the Suby route isn't much of a stretch. If you want a rorty-sounding, rear-engined, air-cooled car, it's out of the question.
IMHO, natch.

I've owned one of each. You can e-mail me if you want my take on the subject, keeping in mind that it would just be one person's opinion. I will do my best to answer your questions.
Hoss

The search function is on the main forum page towards the bottom.

Thanks for mentioning the search function WB. I had intended to and forgot. I tried it using only "Subaru" as a search argument and came up with a ton of data.

I think it has been pretty well discussed here that the principal builder using Subie-power is real slow on delivery. The owners that have endured the wait are pretty happy with their choice.

The additional engineering required to build a Subi-powered car for the home builder may be too much(???) making the choice to stay with tried and true VW an easy default...

Has anyone ever offered up how much the Subie engine/trans weighs? I don't know if that factors in either.

first off thanks for pointing me to the search function. strange that it is a folder - i'm used to seeing something at the top of the page. maybe the mods might consider a tab?

secondly, i am reading through everything now. so is it really a 24 month wait? and if you want a cab vs. a speedster, SAW is your only option, right? is there anyone in so cal that has a SAW build (speedster or cab)? san diego would be ideal.

Another choice will soon come available when Special Edition offers the Beck Speedster with a MINI Cooper drivetrain mounted behind the seats similar to the SAW. I believe that Carey said they should be announcing start of production sometime this summer.

I believe Specialty Auto-sports is the only builder currently offering a Cabriolet. The Envemo cabriolet and coupes, beautiful replicas, have not been in production for a number of years. They were VW powered.

Most, if not all, of the manufacturers are working on cars with power other than air cooled. At the Carlisle show dinner, we heard about Mini powered (Special Edition), VW Golf powered (Intermecannica) and Honda Powered (JPS Motorsports). SAS/SAW seems to be the most ahead (already shipping in low quantities but trying to ramp up) but the others are not really far behind. They're just trying to get the bugs out (design and production) before they start shipping any quantity. When they hit, various models and configurations will undoubtedly be offered.

gn