4.2 V8 vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+20 points over 4.2 V8
0 / 100
CAUTION 4.2 V8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

4.2 V8
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
CAUTION
BUY
Reliability
60
80
Years
2002--2010
1991--2000
Displacement
4163 cc
1781 cc
Layout
V8
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
310 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
1
Total Risk Cost
€1,500--€4,000
€200--€400

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."

1.8 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

4.2 V8 1

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

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

4.2 V8 1

Touareg 7L 2003--2006

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full 4.2 V8 Report Full 1.8 NA Report