W8 4.0 vs 1.8 NA

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
1.8 NA BUY 80/100
+45 points over W8 4.0
0 / 100
AVOID W8 4.0 Volkswagen
0 / 100
BUY 1.8 NA Volkswagen

Specifications

W8 4.0
1.8 NA
Brand
Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Verdict
AVOID
BUY
Reliability
35
80
Years
2001--2004
1991--2000
Displacement
3999 cc
1781 cc
Layout
W8
I4
Type
Petrol Na
Petrol Na
Power
275 hp
90 hp
Known Issues
1
1
Total Risk Cost
€3,000--€10,000
€200--€400

Character

W8 4.0

"Passat W8. Two VR4 blocks merged. Most complex VW ever. 4 timing chains. Ignition coils. Oil leaks. Cooling system. Near-impossible to find parts. Beautiful concept, terrible ownership."

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

W8 4.0 1

◆ CRITICAL
4 timing chains + complexity €3,000--€10,000 60,000 km--120,000 km

1.8 NA 1

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

Models

W8 4.0 1

Passat B5 (3B) 2001--2004

1.8 NA 1

Golf Mk3 (1H) 1991--1997
Full W8 4.0 Report Full 1.8 NA Report