1.7 SDI (AKU) vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+2 points over 1.7 SDI (AKU)
0 / 100
BUY 1.7 SDI (AKU) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

1.7 SDI (AKU)
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BUY
Reliability
78
80
Years
1997--2005
1991--2000
Displacement
1716 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
60 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
1
Total Risk Cost
€250--€600
€200--€400

Character

1.7 SDI (AKU)

"Arosa/Lupo. Indirect injection diesel — no turbo, no common rail, no DPF. Extremely simple. Unbreakable mechanically. Timing belt. Glow plugs. 60hp feels painfully slow but engine can run forever. Perfect for those who want diesel simplicity."

1.8 NA

"Golf III/IV, Passat B4. Simple 8V NA. Hydraulic lifters. Timing belt (interference). Oil leaks. Nearly unbreakable with basic maintenance. One of VW's most reliable engines."

Issues Comparison

1.7 SDI (AKU) 2

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Glow plug failure €50--€200 80,000 km--150,000 km

1.8 NA 1

▲ HIGH
Timing belt (interference) €200--€400 60,000 km--90,000 km

Models

1.7 SDI (AKU) 1

Arosa 6H 1997--2004

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 1.7 SDI (AKU) Report Full 1.8 NA Report