1.4 16V vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+14 points over 1.4 16V
0 / 100
BUY 1.4 16V Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.4 16V
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
92
Years
1997--2005
1996--2006
Displacement
1390 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
75--100 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€50--€200
€1,150--€2,900

Character

1.4 16V

"Golf IV/Polo. Simple, reliable. Coil pack failures common. Thermostat housing cracks. Low maintenance costs. Perfect city car engine."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

"The legendary ALH. 500k+ miles documented. Simple mechanical injection. Nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."

Issues Comparison

1.4 16V 1

○ MINOR
Coil pack failure €50--€200 40,000 km--80,000 km

1.9 TDI (ALH) 3

▲ HIGH
Timing belt replacement — interference engine €250--€500 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Injection pump wear (very high mileage) €400--€1,200 250,000 km--∞
○ MINOR
Turbo wear at very high mileage €500--€1,200 200,000 km--∞

Models

1.4 16V 0

No models listed.

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.4 16V Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report