4.2 V8 vs 1.6 8V

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.6 8V BUY 80/100
+20 points over 4.2 V8
0 / 100
CAUTION 4.2 V8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.6 8V Volkswagen

Specifications

4.2 V8
1.6 8V
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
60
80
Years
2002--2010
1996--2003
Displacement
4163 cc
1595 cc
Layout
V8
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
310 hp
100--102 hp
Known Issues
1
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,500--€4,000
€50--€150

Character

4.2 V8

"Touareg V8. Timing chain at rear of engine. Carbon buildup. Oil consumption. Expensive timing chain job. Same V8 as Audi. Powerful but maintenance-hungry."

1.6 8V

"Golf IV/Bora workhorse. Cast iron block. Simple 8-valve. Oil leaks at high mileage. Thermostat. One of VW's most reliable engines of the era."

Issues Comparison

4.2 V8 1

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain at rear €1,500--€4,000 80,000 km--150,000 km

1.6 8V 1

○ MINOR
Thermostat housing crack €50--€150 60,000 km--120,000 km

Models

4.2 V8 1

Touareg 7L 2003--2006

1.6 8V 0

No models listed.

Full 4.2 V8 Report Full 1.6 8V Report