1.7 SDI (AKU) vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+14 points over 1.7 SDI (AKU)
0 / 100
BUY 1.7 SDI (AKU) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.7 SDI (AKU)
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
92
Years
1997--2005
1996--2006
Displacement
1716 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Diesel
Power
60 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€250--€600
€1,150--€2,900

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."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

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

1.9 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

1.7 SDI (AKU) 1

Arosa 6H 1997--2004

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.7 SDI (AKU) Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report