VR6 2.8 vs 1.9 TDI (ALH)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.9 TDI (ALH) BEST 92/100
+16 points over VR6 2.8
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE VR6 2.8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BEST 1.9 TDI (ALH) Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 2.8
1.9 TDI (ALH)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BEST
Reliability
76
92
Years
1991--2000
1996--2006
Displacement
2792 cc
1896 cc
Layout
VR6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Diesel
Power
174--204 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
3
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,500
€1,150--€2,900

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."

1.9 TDI (ALH)

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

Issues Comparison

VR6 2.8 1

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

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

1.9 TDI (ALH) 2

Golf 1.9 TDI MK4 1997--2004 Hatchback Polo 1.9 TDI 9N 2001--2009 Hatchback
Full VR6 2.8 Report Full 1.9 TDI (ALH) Report