1.7 SDI (AKU) vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) BUY 80/100
+2 points over 1.7 SDI (AKU)
0 / 100
BUY 1.7 SDI (AKU) Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.7 SDI (AKU)
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BUY
Reliability
78
80
Years
1997--2005
2012--2020
Displacement
1716 cc
1984 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Turbo
Power
60 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
2
2
Total Risk Cost
€250--€600
€700--€1,500

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."

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."

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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

1.7 SDI (AKU) 1

Arosa 6H 1997--2004

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 31

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2010--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 Leon 5F 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Arteon 3H 2017--present Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full 1.7 SDI (AKU) Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report