I.8T versus 2.0 petrol?

[meriafel]

Having been 'diesel' since 1980, know very little about VW petrol engines. The Sport model I'm looking at comes in 1.8T and a lesser powered 2.0 unit.

Which is the better engine for economy, torque, reliability etc. Are there any problem areas? Am looking for another Sport Passat around the 50-70k mileage. All comments appreciated.

[loddrik]

Get a TDi, much better.

[meriafel]

Already got an 02 130 Sport estate. As the petrols are cheaper to buy thought I'd look for a petrol from 2001 onwards.

[pingpongpo]

As far as I'm aware the 1.8T owns all the 2.0 bases

[meriafel]

Have seen a 2001Y 1.8T Sport Estate FVWSH with 69k, mint cond at under £6k. Would be a second car to replace my wifes Jan '98 110 Sport Estate that has 100K miles. Hence the info needed on the petrol engines. Thanks

[pritesh]

the 1.8T sport model is great (factory is 150bhp, which is fine for normal driving, or you can chip it to just shy of 200bhp), i've had mine for a year now its a tiptronic one too (jan 2002 model) and its drives well every time. only covered 40K. I've had no major issues except the common niggles, such as the alarms woes (factory fault which should be fixed as a good will gesture) miles wise i can manage without any trouble 33-36MPG, I have on the odd occassion actually hit the magic 40MPG mark which for a petrol is amazing ! (but i was driving at 50-60MPH for a good hour and a half). the car itself is strong and will def see you into the high 100K mark if maintained properly!

Early 1.8T models had coil pack problems so you would need to watch out for that.

The only TDI model worth talking about is the TDI 130 which has bags of pull!

[mulkbear]

Petrol :-

1.6

1.8 20v ok but start having problems around 90k mark (water pumps, misfires, blown head gaskets)

1.8t 20v are good but common problems throttle body, coil packs, water pumps.

Both 1.8 20v engines suffer from the twin cam timing chain tensioner seals going (loud tapping noise at start up) and sump oil pick up blocking with shite (also loud tapping noise at start up)

2.0 OK bit flat high mile cars can be nosiey, Poor MPG,

[pontyslapper]

I feel I must stick up for the much maligned 2.0

I have one ('04 S Estate) due to the fact that it was the best deal around during June when I was buying. £10k with 14k on the clock, ex Europcar (VW) fleet. Compared with the other offers (Mundanos, Signums, Focus', Astras, Vectras) all at 10k it was the only choice.

Absolutely no problems so far - regularly hit the 'magic' 40+ mpg, I have a personal record of 58mpg on a run down through France over 1500 miles.

Every day on my short 12 mile dap to work through urban streets I get 30-38mpg. So I disagree with the poor MPG statements.

Of course, if you like to have fun (we all do) it can drop way under 30 - lowest I've seen it from a screaming is 20mpg but that was over a half tank one afternoon when I was pratting about with my brother in his S2000!!!

Its not the most glamourous model in the range, but its a good solid workhorse. If you get one that is still on the variable servicing you've got a star.

First service on mine at 16k was quoted at £249 at the stealers, they charged £210 as there were several things that were OK and didn't need the extra 30 mins work!!

130bhp might seem low compared to the 150bhp of the 1.8T but there's always one extra expensive thing to go wrong on the 1.8T - THE TURBO!!

I'm thoroughly enjoying the 2.0 - its up on 23k after only 4 months so that shows - it really is a nice car to drive. If you want a lugger get the 2.0 estate, you know it makes sense - if you want a bit of hooliganism every now and then get the 1.8T.

At the end of the day - you pays yer money you takes yer choice.

[pugboy]

My wife has the facelift 1.8T and its ok. Performance is acceptable, but its not a quick car by any means. Its quicker than the diesel 130 that I drove as you can hold the gears for longer.

Fuel economy is iffy around town, but fine on the motorway.

I've seen my trip computer reading 40mpg at a 90mph cruise.

I would imagine the 2.0 is better on fuel if you take it steady, but the Turbo is much better suited to pulling such a heavy car and hence will get up to cruising speed's quicker. Its swings and roundabouts.

IMHO its only worth going with the 2.0 if it is much cheaper than the Turbo (just like its only worth going for the 1.8T if its much cheaper than the 130PD).

[pritesh]

Id agree with Pug boy, and if power is needed you could just have the chip remapped!

in terms of Turbo life...if its looked after properly then you should see very little trouble...but dont rule out Plain and simple bad luck!

[pugboy]

The turbo will be designed to last the lifetime of the engine. You are much more likly to suffer headgasket or cambelt failure than the turbo failing (touches wood).

Before I bought the car I looked up the prices of common parts (I'm used to running old Peugeot's so was worried about the modern VW parts prices) and a recon turbo unit was £350. Also its such a common engine that a second hand one from a breakers could be had easily enough.

[meriafel]

Thanks for the info. Have decided for the time being to put things on hold until the New Year and look for another TDi. Don't think I could put up with lower mpg and less engine life with petrol. Will need to be weaned off 25 years of VW diesels!