Passat: 1.8T or VR6

epbrown · 05-02-2004, 11:55 AM

I've noticed a few people on the board drive newer VWs. I"m thinking of getting a 2000-20001 Passat as a daily driver. I'm torn between getting a 6-cylinder or a model with the B5 engine. Even for a daily driver, I'm thinking of performance and handling as well as drivability, and it looks like the B5 has a relatively cheap, easy upgrade path that makes it beat the 190hp six in the long run. Anyone upgraded their Passat and still use it for daily urban driving? What do you think of it?

Emanuel

BlueSkyJaunte · 05-02-2004, 01:01 PM

I'd go for the 2000 model year. You'll have to wait a little while for the 20001 model to come out.

350HP930 · 05-02-2004, 03:05 PM

I own a jetta with a VR6. Its a nice peppy motor with some low end torque.

While working at a Porsche dealership I also got to drive a lot of our non-porsche loaners that were 1.8T jettas.

To be completely honest I think the turbo is faster than the V6.

With a few easy mods there are also some extra horses you can squeeze from the turbo too.

Ronbo · 05-02-2004, 06:22 PM

Just to be correct, the narrow-angle VR6 is not used in the B5 series Passat ('98-current). It's the 2.8 liter V6 from Audi.

I'd also recommend the 1.8T w/5-speed.

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

The 2.8 V6 has a lot of power but as a former 4 cylinder turbo owner - I don't think they have enough pwr to climb the hills - but I could be wrong - with the 1.8T - a chip upgrade will give it more horsepower than the VR6 - VW downgraded so they could sell two models. I love my Jetta but I face a struggle between choosing the Porsche or the Jetta every day.

350HP930 · 05-02-2004, 09:26 PM

Hmm, I wonder how many of us porsche owners own a jetta or passat as our 'other' car?

epbrown · 05-02-2004, 10:19 PM

I think a lot of people on the board have other German cars (BMWs, Audis, VWs). In my case, I wanted something with good driving dynamics and that always seem to wind up as something German-made.

Emanuel

Moneyguy1 · 05-02-2004, 10:50 PM

If timing belt problems bother you, the 1.8 has a belt; the VR6 has a two stage chain. I personally prefer the chain. Of course, that is because I own a 944 with its attendant belt and interference design problems. I have had no problems with the VR6 except for a hard start problem which was finally narrowed down to a one way valve that depressurized the fuel system overnight. Dealer couldn't find it; I did. Best book for the 1.8 is the Benchly book. No similar book available for the VR6, at least not in models older than five years.

osidak · 05-03-2004, 04:44 AM

Go with the 1.8t and pay a visit to www.upsolute.com

I drive a 2000 Jetta TDI with an upsolute chip as my daily driver. great pick up and 50 mpg to boot

epbrown · 05-03-2004, 11:12 AM

I'm not afraid of timing belts (own a 944 as well), but I'd hope that it was easier to change than the 944 belt

.

Someone PMed me the upsolute link and a link to www.clubb5.com; reading those sites and the FAQ, I've decided to go with the 1.8T for certain. They can be upgraded to performance beyond the 6-cylinder versions for not a lot of money.

Emanuel

JTO · 05-03-2004, 11:32 AM

I had a terrible time with my 1999 TDi Jetta (first year with the new body). Has anyone else struggled with things like glow plugs, MAF, window lifts, interior falling apart, starter solenoid?
I like the car's dynamics but its reliability was terrible.
Troy

osidak · 05-03-2004, 11:38 AM

I had a fit with the window regulators on mine but all where covered under warranty and they seem to have fixed the issue since.

Other wise car has been spot on and I push her HARD

rcm · 05-03-2004, 04:10 PM

I have an A4 w/ 1.8T. Lots of fun. We traded a jetta with VR6. A4 handles better. Has more room for improvement to grab more hp.

350HP930 · 05-03-2004, 07:45 PM

I believe the jetta is manufactured in mexico. I am not sure about the passat.

JTO · 05-04-2004, 07:11 AM

I think you're right 350. I understand that the Passats have a better reliability record also.
Troy

epbrown · 05-04-2004, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by rcm
I have an A4 w/ 1.8T. Lots of fun. We traded a jetta with VR6. A4 handles better. Has more room for improvement to grab more hp.

Rick, I was looking at the A4 because it's got more features and I like the looks, but everyone seems to agree that rear seat room is almost non-existent, especially with a 6-footer like me up front. Looks great in black, though, and not as ubiquitous as the Passat.

Emanuel

84porsche · 84porsche's Garage

The Jetta is not much better for rear seat room unless your passengers are kids - I had 2 friends in the back seat and they could not even fit their feet behind my seat - I am 5' 10" - hopefully the Passat has a little more. The A4 is not as bad as the Jetta - I can take a few pix of the rear seat room if you would like - my sis has an 2001 - A4

epbrown · 05-06-2004, 08:24 AM

84porsche, thanks for the offer but I've checked them out. I was at a dealership to test drive a Passat yesterday and things didn't work out. The ad didn't represent the car at all, and the salesmen seemed genuinely puzzled that I cared - like why should I mind that the black 5-speed with leather interior was actually a green auto with cloth?

That aside, they steered me towards an A6; very nice, interior-wise, seems to heavy for the 190-hp six it's got.

Emanuel

osidak · 05-06-2004, 08:34 AM

The current Passat (B5.5) is built on the same platform as the Audi A4. The Passat has much more leg room than the Audi. The B6 Passat (due next year) will be built on the same platform as the VW A5 chassis cars so I am not sure what the leg room will be.

Love my A4 Jetta TDI but rear leg room does suck. Want a Passat TDI but don't want a car payment either.

Wolf1 · 05-06-2004, 07:54 PM

I have a 2000 Passat GLX. Love it!!!
The Passat has the 30 valve Audi motor not the VR6 engine.
Mine coupled with a 5 speed manual is a ton of fun and very comfortable.

It has more nifty little creature comforts than imagineable, and handles really well for a sedan.

Mileage is not too bad either.
29 mpg at 75-80 mph
33-34 mpg at 55-60 mph

0-60 according to G-tech is 8.0 seconds, can't remember 1/4 mile time but it was a full second faster than a 2001 3.4liter Grand-am.

Overall it is a great car....no complaints.