2.0 FSI vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+22 points over 2.0 FSI
0 / 100
CAUTION 2.0 FSI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

2.0 FSI
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
58
80
Years
2003--2008
1991--2000
Displacement
1984 cc
1781 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
150 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
3
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,300--€3,500
€200--€400

Character

2.0 FSI

"Golf V, Passat B6, A4 B7. First mass-market FSI (direct injection). Cam follower wear on HPFP. Carbon buildup on intake valves. Timing chain tensioner. FSI complexity with NA power. Disappointing."

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

2.0 FSI 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain tensioner failure €800--€2,000 60,000 km--120,000 km
▲ HIGH
Cam follower / HPFP wear €100--€500 40,000 km--80,000 km
▲ HIGH
Carbon buildup (DI) €400--€1,000 60,000 km--120,000 km

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

2.0 FSI 8

Ibiza 6K 2003--1999 Octavia 1Z 2004--2008 Passat B6 (3C) 2005--2008 Leon 1P 2005--2008 Toledo Mk3 (5P) 2005--2009 Altea 5P 2004--2008 Leon Mk2 (1P) 2005--2008 Touran 1T 2003--2006

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 2.0 FSI Report Full 1.8 NA Report