V-8-POWERED H3 ALPHA

The early VW Toureg V6's have an even worst power to weight ratio when compared to the 3.5 H3. (And so does the rarely seen V6 LR3 for that matter). I personally know a car buff with a V6 Toureg as a commuter rig and the first week he leased it, he was complaining about the power.

Why is the unibody VW so heavy at over 5000 lbs? Typically unibody construction results in a lighter curb weight.

I read a comparison road test many months ago (actually offroad test) and the VW was creaking as the doors moved in the twisting frames. A fully boxed frame is preferred for that type of abuse. Recently I read that Toureg sales have declined into the range of 10,000 units/year in the US, not a good sign.

I have 35,000 miles on my H3, no rattles so far. I wondering if the head will last before the first rattle.