VR6 2.8 vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+4 points over VR6 2.8
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE VR6 2.8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 2.8
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
76
80
Years
1991--2000
1991--2000
Displacement
2792 cc
1781 cc
Layout
VR6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
174--204 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
1
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,500
€200--€400

Character

VR6 2.8

"Golf III/Corrado VR6. Narrow-angle V6. Timing chain (double row). Head gasket strong. Needs valve adjustment at high mileage. Wonderful sound. Relatively reliable for a VW performance engine."

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

VR6 2.8 1

● MODERATE
Timing chain stretch (very high mileage) €500--€1,500 200,000 km--350,000 km

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

VR6 2.8 5

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1992--1997 Passat B5 (3B) 1996--2005 Superb 3U 2001--2008 Golf Mk4 (1J) 2000--2003 Alhambra 7M 2000--2010

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full VR6 2.8 Report Full 1.8 NA Report