1.6 8V vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+12 points over 1.6 8V
0 / 100
BUY 1.6 8V Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.6 8V
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
80
92
Years
1996--2003
1996--2006
Displacement
1595 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
100--102 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€50--€150
€1,150--€2,900

Character

1.6 8V

"Golf IV/Bora workhorse. Cast iron block. Simple 8-valve. Oil leaks at high mileage. Thermostat. One of VW's most reliable engines of the era."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

1.6 8V 1

○ MINOR
Thermostat housing crack €50--€150 60,000 km--120,000 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

1.6 8V 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 1.6 8V Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report