2.5 TDI V6 vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+40 points over 2.5 TDI V6
0 / 100
AVOID 2.5 TDI V6 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

2.5 TDI V6
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
40
80
Years
1998--2005
1991--2000
Displacement
2496 cc
1781 cc
Layout
V6
I4
Type
Diesel
Petrol Na
Power
150--180 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
1
Total Risk Cost
€2,000--€6,000
€200--€400

Character

2.5 TDI V6

"Same engine as Audi 2.5 TDI. Camshaft wear destroys engine. Timing belt critical. Oil pump drive hex key shears. One of VW/Audi's worst engines. Avoid at all costs."

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

2.5 TDI V6 1

◆ CRITICAL
Camshaft lobe wear €2,000--€6,000 80,000 km--150,000 km

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

2.5 TDI V6 3

Passat B5 (3B) 1998--2005 Touareg 7L 2003--2010 Superb 3U 2003--2008

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 2.5 TDI V6 Report Full 1.8 NA Report