2.0 FSI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
Side-by-side reliability comparison
Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
BEST
92/100
+34 points over 2.0 FSI
0
/ 100
CAUTION
2.0 FSI
Volkswagen
0
/ 100
BEST
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
Volkswagen
Specifications
2.0 FSI
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
58
92
Years
2003--2008
1996--2009
Displacement
1984 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
150 hp
90--150 hp
Known Issues
3
0
Total Risk Cost
€1,300--€3,500
€0--€0
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."
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV)
"Legendary diesel. 500k+ miles documented. Simple, efficient, nearly unkillable. Belt-driven."
Issues Comparison
2.0 FSI 3
◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain tensioner failure
▲ HIGH
Cam follower / HPFP wear
▲ HIGH
Carbon buildup (DI)
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV) 0
No documented issues.
Models
1.9 TDI (ALH/AHF/ASV) 61
Golf
Ibiza
Ibiza
Felicia
Polo
A4
A4
Octavia
Golf
Leon
Octavia
Leon
Leon
Golf
Toledo
A3
Arosa
Polo
Polo
Fabia
Cordoba
Ibiza
Leon
Ibiza
Fabia
Fabia
Octavia
Leon
A3
Golf
Leon
Ibiza
Polo
Golf
Octavia
Cordoba
Fabia
Alhambra
Passat
A4
Superb
Superb
A6
Transporter
Superb
Octavia
Golf
A3
Leon
Altea
Toledo
Touran
Leon
Passat
Ibiza
Fabia
Roomster
Ibiza
Roomster
Fabia
Fabia