VR6 2.8 vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) BUY 80/100
+4 points over VR6 2.8
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE VR6 2.8 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 2.8
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
76
80
Years
1991--2000
2012--2020
Displacement
2792 cc
1984 cc
Layout
VR6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
174--204 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,500
€700--€1,500

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."

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

"Same as Audi EA888 Gen 3. Dual injection, metal tensioner. Golf GTI/R engine. Proven."

Issues Comparison

VR6 2.8 1

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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 2

● MODERATE
Water pump failure €400--€900 60,000 km--120,000 km
○ MINOR
Intake carbon buildup (reduced in Gen 3) €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 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

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) 31

Golf Mk6 (5K) 2010--2012 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2017 Passat B8 (3G) 2014--2019 Superb 3V 2015--2019 Octavia 5E 2013--2017 Octavia 5E 2017--2020 Kodiaq NS 2017--2024 Transporter T5 2012--2015 Transporter T6 2015--2021 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2016--2017 Golf Mk7 (5G) 2013--2019 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2014--2017 Leon 5F 2014--2017 A3 8V 2013--2016 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2016--2018 A3 8V 2016--2020 Leon Mk3 (5F) 2017--2020 Leon 5F 2017--2020 Tiguan AD 2016--2024 Superb 3V 2019--2024 Q3 F3 2019--present Passat B8 (3G) 2019--2023 Arteon 3H 2017--present Ateca KH 2016--present Ateca 2.0 TSI KH 2018--2024 SUV Golf GTI 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Golf R 2.0 TSI 7 2012--2020 Hatchback Passat 2.0 TSI B8 2015--2023 Sedan Polo GTI 2.0 TSI AW 2017--2024 Hatchback Scirocco 2.0 TSI 13 2008--2017 Coupe T-Roc R 2.0 TSI A1 2019--2024 SUV
Full VR6 2.8 Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report