1.8 NA vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+12 points over 1.8 NA
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

1.8 NA
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
80
92
Years
1991--2000
1996--2006
Displacement
1781 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
90 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€200--€400
€1,150--€2,900

Character

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."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

1.8 NA 1

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

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 1.8 NA Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report