EA211 1.4 TSI vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+14 points over EA211 1.4 TSI
0 / 100
BUY EA211 1.4 TSI Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

EA211 1.4 TSI
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
BUY
BEST
Reliability
78
92
Years
2012--2020
1996--2006
Displacement
1395 cc
1896 cc
Layout
I4
I4
Type
Petrol Turbo
Diesel
Power
125--150 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
2
3
Total Risk Cost
€350--€850
€1,150--€2,900

Character

EA211 1.4 TSI

"Sweet spot VW engine. ACT cylinder deactivation on some. Good balance of power and economy. Belt driven."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

EA211 1.4 TSI 2

▲ HIGH
Timing belt — mandatory replacement €350--€700 60,000 km--90,000 km
○ MINOR
Cylinder deactivation shudder (software) €0--€150 0 km--50,000 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

EA211 1.4 TSI 22

A3 8V 2012--2016 Leon 5F 2013--2017 Touran 5T 2015--2018 Fabia NJ 2015--2018 Toledo Mk4 (KG) 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Ibiza Mk4 (6J) 2015--2017 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2017 Rapid NH 2015--2019 Polo 6R/6C 2014--2017 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2012--2017 Fabia NJ 2015--2018 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2012--2017 Leon 5F 2013--2017 Rapid NH 2012--2019 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2012--2019 Leon 5F 2013--2020 Octavia 5E 2013--2020 Golf 1.4 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 1.4 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Tiguan 1.4 TSI 5N 2007--2016 SUV

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full EA211 1.4 TSI Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report