just looking into either a Golf V or A3 TDi. Is there much in it between the 1.9 and 2.0? drove the 2.0 140, which didn't seem that quick really (not much quicker than my A6 Avent with 130 bhp 1.9).

also, are the plug in chips any good?

cheers

 

The 1.9 lumps are 90/110 bhp is i'm correct. 2.0 are 90/110/140/170 depending on which one you get

The 170 TDi is great

 

Used to have a 2.0 TDi A3 years ago, and it was the 140bhp. Wasn't that quick (all the 'go' is between 2000-3000rpm), so i got it remapped to 175bhp which improved performance, but made it a bit smokey, and the clutch would slip if you floored it in a high gear.

Good MPG tho - about the only plus point IMO.

 

The 1.9 comes in 90 or 115bhp for the early models and the later post '99 I think came with a PD code engine in 110, 130 or 150bhp these engines are much more efficient. The 130 is the one to have as the 150 suffers alot from warped cams. The newer 2.0 engines are a completely different engine and not as good as the pd, from what i've read. The 170 with a remap is a very quick car but will quickly destroy the clutch.

I have one of the early 115 engine which has done 166k and I've only ever replaced a starter motor, still gets 58-60mpg easily enough

Are the plug in chips any good? no.

HTH

Kev

 

The 170 2 litre engine has Siemens injectors which have a nasty habit of failing recently, this is not just a VAG issue, Mercedes have suffered the same thing in their engines, the 140 engine has Bosch injectors so does not suffer this.
I have the 140 engine and love it personally