tt9714

A friend of mine is looking at the Volkswagen ~Jetta~ as an option for a next car. We recently learned that two engine options are available for the car:
1) 2.0L normally aspirated (115 HP)
2) 1.8L turbo (180 HP starting 2002; 150HP 2000-2001)

Does anyone on the board have experience with these engine designs? Based on my experience with my own '86 951 the turbo will definitely add another layer of complexity to the mechanical systems.

If I were buying, the 1.8T would be the choice. However, my friend is not exactly a "performance oriented driver" and fuel economy is a primary consideration. Interestingly enough, the official EPA fuel economy ratings for both engines are the same (24 city/31 highway).

Any comments out there on either engine design?

Dave

I didn't know you could get the 2.0 in a Passat, but if you can, don't, it's way too small. The !.8T is my choice, even over the VR6, as a few parts (chip, exhaust) will put it in the VR6 hp area, for a bit less $$$. Use the savings for more hp, DE, or suspension parts.
The new W8 is another story...

Paul C 944

I just bought a used 98 passat 1.8T.I love it !Very fun to drive,it moves along well its no rocket but it doesnt lack either.As far as i know it comes as a vr6 or 1.8t only.Im getting 31 mpg.I ve only had it 5 weeks,so far so good

DangerIsland

The passat comes with a V6 (Audi 30v V6, not the VW VR6) and the 1.8T. I prefer the 1.8T to the V6 even, I think it's one of the best motors ever built, and I'm glad Audi/VW has used it in everything. (Older passats had a 16V 2.0L straight 4, and the VR6. I wouldn't buy one of those cars, get a newer one.)

If my wishes came true, porsche would build an ultra-light two seater midengine car with a tuned version of it.

tt9714

Sorry about the potential confusion...posting before 6AM will do that. I meant to say "Jetta" not "Passat" in my original note.

Regardless, it sounds like a "thumbs up" on the 1.8T. We plan to go for a test drive on Wednesday.

rpm's S2

I have a Passat wagon with the 1.8t. The 2.0 has 122 pounds of torque and 115 horsepower. This is enough to give the car decent performance. But only decent. The 1.8 in the Jetta gives 150 hp and 162 ft pounds of torque - a significant advantage.
The 1.8 pulls my heavy wagon around quite well with the tiptronic automatic. Would run better with the 5 speed. I happened to be at a VW dealer this morning (40,000 mile service) and noticed that you can now get the tiptronic in the Jetta. Well worth the extra $200 if your friend gets an automatic. The 2.0 is pathetic with the auto.
As for the 1.8t? 40,000 problem free miles and a big car with good performance that gets 30 mpg on the highway.

brh986

[quote]Originally posted by tt9714:
<strong>A friend of mine is looking at the Volkswagen Passat as an option for a next car. We recently learned that two engine options are available for the car:
1) 2.0L normally aspirated (115 HP)
2) 1.8L turbo (180 HP starting 2002; 150HP 2000-2001)

Does anyone on the board have experience with these engine designs? Based on my experience with my own '86 951 the turbo will definitely add another layer of complexity to the mechanical systems.

If I were buying, the 1.8T would be the choice. However, my friend is not exactly a "performance oriented driver" and fuel economy is a primary consideration. Interestingly enough, the official EPA fuel economy ratings for both engines are the same (24 city/31 highway).

Any comments out there on either engine design?</strong><hr></blockquote>


When did they start offering the 2.0 in the passat? It was always 1.8T or v6. The passat is a very heavy car, it's sluggish even with the 1.8T (150 hp version anyway). Go v6

Perry 951

My best friend has the GTI 1.8T, and it is a very quick little car. Drove one that was chipped and was very very impressed.

My brother just got the Passat 1.8T and also likes it very much. I have not driven it, but I would assume with the extra weight, the VR6 or a chipset would be need.

CAUTION CAUTION! VW will yank your waranttee for anything. My buddy is still in arbitration to get his car fixed. (ECM failed, but no one would replace it. They's rather replace the MAF, turbo, and dirverter.) VW service sucks, but if the car does nto develop problems, they are great.

EDIT: Sorry about the spelling, did not sleep well last night, and I am kinda "out there" today.

Jason_86_951

[quote]Originally posted by DangerIsland:
<strong>If my wishes came true, porsche would build an ultra-light two seater midengine car with a tuned version of it.</strong><hr></blockquote>

You and me both!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

brh986

[quote]Originally posted by Dave:
<strong>I didn't know you could get the 2.0 in a Passat, but if you can, don't, it's way too small. The !.8T is my choice, even over the VR6, as a few parts (chip, exhaust) will put it in the VR6 hp area, for a bit less $$$. Use the savings for more hp, DE, or suspension parts.
The new W8 is another story...</strong><hr></blockquote>

The passat doesn't get the VR it gets the 2.8L audi v6

Paul C 944

Go for the TDI turbo diesel in the jetta!
50 MPG good performance! <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />

Anthony Thompson

Does the 2.0 engine come with a turbo?

If not can you turbo it for better performance than the 1.8t?

Basically, should you start a build on a 2.0 or switch to a 1.8?

944Fest (aka Dan P)

Your first post was to wake up a 17 year old thread? Wow!

Anthony Thompson

You are very observant.

YOU ARE A HELP AND A HALF. Thank you.

BA73

holy crap. I wrote a novel and then realized the age of this thread.... my bad!