2.0 8V vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+18 points over 2.0 8V
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE 2.0 8V Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

2.0 8V
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
74
92
Years
1998--2004
1996--2006
Displacement
1984 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
115--116 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€0--€800
€1,150--€2,900

Character

2.0 8V

"Golf IV/Bora 2.0. Adequate power. Oil consumption at high mileage. Coil packs. Ignition leads. Thermostat. Simple and cheap to maintain. Not exciting but dependable."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

2.0 8V 1

● MODERATE
Oil consumption at high mileage €0--€800 150,000 km--250,000 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

2.0 8V 5

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1992--1997 Alhambra 7M 1996--2010 Transporter T5 2003--2009 Fabia 6Y 2000--2007 Superb 3U 2001--2008

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full 2.0 8V Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report