Volkswagen: 75 vw bus vs 79 Vw BUs, vw bus, valve train

Question
I am considering buying a 75 vw bus (it is pristine condition 1.9 lL
engine (@$6500) or a 79 vw bus (not as nice cosmetically) with a
2.0 Liter engine ($4500)  Any thoughts on which way to go?? I have
read that overall the 79 is a better vehicle.  THank you Ron!!

Answer
Hi Lorie,

They each have thier benefits.   The floor plan on the 1975 is a bit different, and uses more space up.

As far as the engine goes, it should be a 1.8 or 2.0 fuel injected engine, depending on the model year.

The 1979 has different lifters (they are hydraulic, rather than solid) and is a bit easier on the valve train.

I would base it on your personal choice, milage, and what you think has been best maintained.

Either way, they are both pretty reliable engines.

One final note:  remember...engines are not terribly expensive, relatively speaking.  Body work and paint can be very costly, so make sure you keep that in mind as well when making your final decision.