VR6 3.6 vs EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) BUY 80/100
+10 points over VR6 3.6
0 / 100
ACCEPTABLE VR6 3.6 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Volkswagen

Specifications

VR6 3.6
EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
ACCEPTABLE
BUY
Reliability
70
80
Years
2005--2016
2012--2020
Displacement
3597 cc
1984 cc
Layout
VR6
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Turbo
Power
280--300 hp
180--310 hp
Known Issues
1
2
Total Risk Cost
€500--€1,500
€700--€1,500

Character

VR6 3.6

"Passat R36, Touareg, Eos. Largest VR6. Chain driven. Timing chain guides. Oil consumption. Less characterful than 3.2 but more torque. Good long-distance cruiser."

EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI)

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

Issues Comparison

VR6 3.6 1

● MODERATE
Timing chain guide wear €500--€1,500 150,000 km--250,000 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 3.6 4

Touareg 7L 2006--2010 Q7 4L 2006--2010 Passat B6 (3C) 2007--2010 Superb 3T 2008--2015

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 3.6 Report Full EA888 Gen 3 (2.0 TSI) Report