3.0T all the way for me. By far the most responsive V6 engine I've ever driven/tested. I love how frenzied it is. And I mean that in a good way. I can also get 30mpg on the highway, which is impressive considering it's output (and that it's hauling around 4000 lbs in the B8.5 S4).
No TDI ? Really ? 1.9TDI literally moves all western europe every day.
8 ปีที่แล้ว +25
Just was about to say the same thing. I used to have 1.9TDI 81kW in my A4 and loved it. Now moved to A6 with 3.0TDI 171kW, also good engine, but not as famous.
Absolutely seconded, apparently the most reliable diesel engine VAG ever made (unlike the 2.0 PD diesels which are probably the worst - I should know, I have one :) )
TDI is iconic to VW no matter 1.9 or 2.0 TDI but I would say my favorite TDI is EA288 Gen3 that is tunable with KermaTDI stage 1 to 200 hp / 330 ft-lbs and still doing 45mpg
I have the 2.0 TFSi that made the top spot here. I bloody love it, almost as much as it loves oil. Not quite as much though, because nothing loves anything as much as the 2.0 loves oil. 😋
Lazaro Carreiro I have 2010 VW CC with the 3.6 VR6 and it is a beast! Amazing passing power! And it is smooth and docile when driven gently, I' ve gotten 30 mpg on highway and average 22 mpg city/hwy. not bad for almost 300 hp.
Way back in the day - I had a 1.8T AUM engine with KO3S turbo in my Audi A3 1.8T Sport and it was one of the most reliable cars I've ever had!.. great engine with massive tuning potential!... and currently have a Golf R 7.5 with the EA888 :)
The 8v 4 Zylinders are fairly reliable but thats all. Nothing special. They even have a block design from like the 70's. exhaust and inlet are on the same side wich is not really good.
The stock S4 3.0 TFSI engine is definitely understated by Audi at 333hp and 325ft lb of torque. The car pulls, and clocks 0-60 times ranging from 4.4-4.7.
Are u insane, it's one of the best audi engines of all time lol. The 3.0 Tfsi is so much more reliable than the 2.7 Bi-Turbo. Sure it's not as tunable but it's still super tunable.
Solid list. I feel the 1.8t should be about number three though. It brought so many people into the enthusiast community I don't think the brand would be where it's at today without it
The EA113 hight output with K04 is a great and very reliable engine capable of 375 HP on stge2 HPFP with Unitronic. I think he have a place in the top 5 !
Great video and very informative, now y'all going to hate me, my fave is still a naturally aspired 2.5L 170HP motor found in all MK5s. Feed it with hi octane gas for some time and the monster will awaken!
Nice lineup of top gas engines, but I must admit the TDI should be in line with these great mills, especially when talking about a bulletproof engine. The 1.8T I certainly will back up as I’ve personally had one for 18 years, and have taken it from 150 to 320hp. However now I am looking toward the 3.0T supercharged six cylinder motor. Power easily poured with minimal add ons.
Why does everyone forget the Audi 2.7 twin turbo V6? This is the engine from c5 a6 and b5 s4, these engines could be tuned easily to produce over 400 hp, and with more mods have been seen all the way up to 1000 hp
The VR6 gets my vote. I'm holding onto my Mk4 GTI just because of the smooth, wide power band of the engine and the great exhaust note. No one makes front drive v6 cars like this anymore...
like the list. but the 2.5L inline 5 engine has to be number 1. not only is it the imsa engine. but also audi's legendary quattro rally car engine. and that SOUND!!!
I don't have a top 5, but I do have a number 1. The 1.9 alh code tdi. I've doubled the horsepower and almost tripled the torque with basic bolt ons and a tune through Kermatdi. And I still get over 40 mpg and don't have to worry about it ever taking a dump on me as long as I change the oil and keep up with the timing belt. Simple, powerful, economical.
Can beat the 1.9 ALH. My favorite of all VW. It's bulletproof as long as you maintain them properly. As for power a few bolt-ons and a tune and it is a different creature. I love my 1.9TDI ALH and I am keeping it for as long as I can.
I get it, this list is all about power potential/tunability. But for my favorite VW engines list I would include the 1.9 TDI, the EA888 1.8Tsi, and the 2.5L. The TDI was great fun to drive, and 50+ mpg on the Hwy was unbeatable when VW came out with them in the 90s. Plus, they lasted for a very long time. The 1.8TSI in the recent Passats, Jettas and Golfs are seemingly very reliable, very spunky (especially passing on the hwy) and very thrifty. And the 2.5 gets my vote for reliability. We have two in my family nearing the 200,000 mile mark and neither has had any issues with the engine or the automatic transmission. And you still see a ton of these on the road. Not the sexiest or most frugal, but a damn near bullet proof engine...and I'll take that any day.
2.5 mk5 rabbit owner here and can confirm everything said. i love my 2.5 and i have the 5spd manual, its a fun little car. and even stock itll roast some tires lol. reliable, fun, and quick i wouldnt say fast unless you got some major mods lol
I think the N/A 1.6 16v injected vw engine should be talked about. A great engine even though it's slow today... It should be respected for starting the hot hatch trend back in the mk1 rabbit GTi. I happen to drive a polo with this engine and I love it because it's just enough.
a list of the best VW engines without any mention of the original aircooled t1 engine ! they only made 21 million of them !. lasted for 65 years, could be mended by anyone with spanners, go on forever and are freqently highly tuned for drag racers. without this engine there would be no VW !
I agree with that list. I had a 1.8T and a VR6 12 valve and 24 valve. Amazing motor! My next car is going to be an S3 and definitely a tune will be in the works.
VW 3.6 VR6. One hell of an engine! Drove mine with timing chain slip in it for over ten thousand miles and it still kept going until I had to get the guides and chain done
I think the VR6 should have been #1 and I'm sure others have mentioned already the cylinders are not straight up and down. There is a small angle there so they are not just staggered and straight up but are staggered with a 15 degree or so angle.
not one person mentioned the 4.0l W8. This is an engineering marvel. like 2 VR4's on a common crank. It is absolutely butter smooth, purrs quietly and takes off quickly. It is not the powerhouses as mentioned and it cannot be turbo charged as there is not enough room. But it is a beautiful motor in every way. Quiet, smooth, no vibration, a treat to be in a car like that. And if looked after, it will do a half million miles easy. the exhaust note is unlike anything out there. Mini Veyron.
With a little modification to design faults, the TFSI motors are pretty good too. They don’t make as much power as the newer ones, but still tunable and are very affordable in the MKV GTI and Audi A4.
I have a friend who swapped a VR5 20v into his mk3 Golf, thirsty engine, but even after a winter without running starts instantly, and with its custom exhaust sounds like a small V10. For me it is the engine of choice for an old VW
Audi AAN. Reliable and can take high HP no problem. Birth of the S series. UrS4 and UrS6. I had a UrS4 and LOVED that car! Roots from the rally and tarmac heritage. Audi S1 and Audi IMSA GTO. I will NEVER get tired of listening to 5 cylinders. 4 isn't enough and 6 is too much!😉
Seriously though! I know this video is old and he looks like he is younger so he may not be up to speed on them like that. But the AAN and all its derivatives are the undisputed kings of the Audi powerplants. An URS4 has held the land speed record for a sports sedan for over a decade and the quickest Audi powered vehicle on the planet also runs one. And they are reliable as hell even when modified. The only powerplant that comes anywhere close would be the Vr6…
@@seanpugh6792 you can thank the engineers and people who worked at the skunk works at Audi Sport in the 80's. After all, it's them that asked corporate chairman to bring back the 5 cylinder! 😉
How do you not have the s4 b5 2.7tt engine on the list? Fully forged from the factory with bolt ons getting 450+ bhp and not forgetting the noise, which for me is better then that of the inefficient r32 👍🏼
I get that the ea888 Gen 3, what you reference as MQB, is the latest and most powerful iteration of this series engine. That said, to be fair, the ea888 engine has been around 10 years and has steadily been improved upon each year. Yes, the early ea888 Gen 1 in the Mk6 platform experienced issues, but nearly all of those were sorted out by in later Mk6 models. The truth is that the Gen 3 improved upon Gen 1, but it's still in the same family of engines (ea888). So a possibly more accurate statement may be that the ea888 series engine takes the top spot.
The 3.0T definitely belongs on here BUT I'd say if he had to choose, the 2.7TT should've been the choice between the 2. B8 s4 ceiling = stage 2 w/ e85 at ~400whp. B5 s4 ceiling = the sky
For all those complaining about no TDI on the list I do believe he was basing his opinion on engines here in America because the TDI engine is not common out here, but definitely should be on at least a top 10
@Niall Bell 5.9 Cummins isn't big in trucks over in Europe dont have the 5.9 usually but it's one of the top diesel inline 6's to be made. Diesel in a car was made big because of VW IN MY OPINION.
I just bought a '14 Jetta SE about month ago and I'm extremely impressed by the power, torque and 34+mpg! I owned a '00 Passat 1.8T and it was nice, too, but the cooling system leaked like sieve and it got pricey. My '94 Golf LE had the 2.0L ABA and it left a lot to be desired HP-wise but it was bulletproof and rock solid reliable up to 200K plus. My only issue with my new Jetta is now I have leaking Main Seal and I have to convince my local dealer (not where I bought it) to fix it under the warranty. Is this a common issue with this power train?
A tune of my 2.0T gives me the same hp and torque as my old 5.7L '96 Trans Am and yet I was also able to drive from LA to Vegas AND BACK on a single tank of gas...yeah....it's cool
mmrseed which car do you have? I’ve got a MK7 GTI and I’ve made that drive... down to about 1/4 tank when I get there. Never even come close to 600 miles on one tank lol
Finn Custom Knives dude... I had a 2003 GLI with that engine and a 6speed manual. Best car ever. You need to slap on a good turbo build and you will be pushing 400bhp, plus that growl AND the spool? *nnnng*
The VR6 engine is just brilliant engineering - solving challenging packaging and power problems. Feel it a true auto enthusiast product pretty much without equal.
I loved my 1.8t in my old passat wagon 5 speed... 5 valves per cylinder and was bullet proof. I was also the first to install Japanese parts in her. HKS ssqv, custom 2 3/4 inch exhaust with apexi dunk muffler and apexi boost gauge and timer. Interior was all sparco, Sparco ring steering wheel with sparco torino seat. Man I missed that car. A wagon with all that on it... almost forgot the carbon hood...
I had a 1988 VW fox. The engine & drive train out lasted the body ( rusted ). I was a 1.8L easy to work on. ( shit for power 85 HP as I remember ). The same engine was used the the Rabbit / Scircco / Jetta / Audi models and others. The other thing that wasn't mentioned was the flat 4 that was in the original beetle. What he mostly talks about performance and upgrades. Let me know what other models that engine was used in. Thanks.
Make great, dare I say reliable, daily drivers in stock trim. I like the idea of 16 valve or 20 head swaps though for a high revving engine. Of course, this is involved, requires piston changes and a lot of other work.
Pedro Sanchez I had a new gen 2.slow. 2012 I had that brown color in manual.that car had to be sorta rare. I hated it then I started to love thar car. I had a 2017 GLI it was everything I wanted and it ended up a lemon. Now I Own a 2018 GTI. That 2.slow made me a fan for life even after my lemon case
I had a 2.8 vr6 now a 3.2 vr6 and have 2.0 also a 4.2 and a 1.8! 5 valve but I want a 5.2 v 10 it should be the best but I may not be able to afford it 😢. There is hope for the 5cy turbo though 😊
No love for the flat four? The grandfather of all VW motors, and probably the most important to the rise of VW. Still a nice list, glad to see the 1.8T get credit.
I might put the 1.8 8v and the 1.9 Tdi, and 2.0L(non turbo) in there somewhere. Just for their reliability, and how long they last the 1.6 tdi gets props for lasting the longest for me. My dad has a 1.6 Tdi Jetta with almost 500,000. As far as the 2.8 VR6, I had 3 mk3 Jetta GLX’s one had over 316,000, and another was 256,000 I believe. I had a 88 Jetta 1.8. 8v with 375,000. Most recently i bought a 2011 Jetta S with a 2.0L and a 5spd. Oh, all my cars have been Manual Transmissions. Manual Transmission’s just don’t tear up hardly ever. I’ve only ever seen 2 go bad, 1 got water in the gear oil, and the other was low of oil, so they both burned the bearings up and started roaring.I’m a 3rd generation vw mechanic, if you can’t tell I’ve been dealing with VW’s my whole life.
+bruker enduring I agree. This seems like more of a performance oriented list, but those older TDI engines should not be left out. Specifically, the ALH TDI engine (98-03) is seriously bulletproof and many people have over 500,000 miles on them. Not to mention they easily get over 50 mpg, and the low end torque makes them pretty fun to drive. They are decently tuneable as well.
I own #3 and #1, go me! (1995 S6 and 2016 GTI). The AAN is an amazing engine, still fun stock after all these years. It lacks the instant low rpm power of the EA888.. if you're driving it in anger you have to hold the rpms like you're Walter Röhrl.
Just recently bought a golf r with the EA888.3 (MQB). It has been rock solid. These engines can handle so much power on stock internals, and have so much potential. With just downpipe, intake, Eurodyne stage 2 flash this car makes 102hp and 136ft/lb over stock. It is a totally different car with the mods. Sub 4s 0-60. Tuning possibilities are endless. I have read on forums that these engines can handle up to 600hp reliably. Only gripe is that they don't sound all too great. That being said, my first VW was a 2001 VR6 GTI, magnaflow exhaust. That engine made the best sound ever. I still think about it. The car had instant power at any rpm. Had great characteristics. Both great engines and I think he nailed it with this video.
I had a 2000 V6 3.0 liter, 30 valves Passat wagon. I loved that engine. Although it was listed as 190 HP, I never felt it lacked power. I wonder what you think of that engine. Did it have a lot of issues?
I'd have to say KR, 9a, aba, and abf. Up to 375hp on stock internals with a turbo, and 200 with built NA. I've see em as high as 1200hp with a built engine that is twin turbo'd. They are light, small, bullet proof, parts are cheap, 30+ mpg, and some can be had for free on CL. My MK3 gti w/built NA aba with 180 hp, is funner to drive and way quicker up to 80mph, than my 375 hp 2015 all road on accuair.
I just got a 2006 mk5 GTI and the 2.0 l turbo motor is so awesome. one of my favorite motors. I just wish it sounded as awesome as like a vr6 or 5 cylinder motor. either way awesome motor and really fun car.
Hi I am a Skoda car owner in India. My Car has 1.0 TSI ,3 Cyl, 113 Bhp, 178 NM, GDI without port injector on intake valves. I have a few questions and would be grateful if an experienced person like you can answer:- 1. The recommended engine oil is 0w30 on the owners manual. The place where I like the temperature is about 40 Degree Celcius for 6 Months, 15 Degrees for 3 Months, 30 degrees for 3 months. Is this engine oil for this temperature ok? 2. Skoda recommends changing Engine Oil every 15K kms, Spark Plugs every 60K kms. Should I replace these at these recommended intervals or sooner? How much sooner? 3. If I drive it more aggresively will it have a positive effect and reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves, or will have a negative effect and increase blow-by and hence increase carbon deposits? 4. Should I drive in Non-Turbo range i.e below 1750 RPMs to prolong the engine life as I won't kick in the turbo at these revs and would have less pressure on the engine. Or is it bad for Turbo and ruin it instead? 5. How much can I expect this engine to last if I followed the service schedule fully, used top tier 95 octane fuel and baby'ed the car? Thanks and Regards
Currently I drive a 2019 GTI 2.0. Fun car and quick. However, I had a 2012 golf base model 2.5, 5 cylinder. That 2.5 was as fast, smoother, and was better on fuel. And trouble free. Too bad VW discontinued that little work horse, and that it didn’t make your top engine list ! Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴
The greatest vw engine I've every nobody has even mentioned yet is the original 2.5tdi which first came in Audi 100 which was diesel to blow away the gti and then that engine went into the lt and transporter vans that 5 cylinder is bomb proof and these vans still hold there values
great video man; I would have thrown a special shout out to the air cooled Porsche engines people were throwing in the back of super bugs back in the 70s and 80s, it's not really a VAG motor, but it's close enough... in the family so to speak lol. and you failed to mention how the VR design concept was brought over to the French's Bugatti branch, and they used that same 15° rake angle to start when designing the W16 for their first production Veyron. think two interlocking VR8s side by side, and you get the idea lol.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together man. Well done. I just wish the mk7's sounded better...but then again I'm spoiled by the sound of my vr6 turbo😜. I know a 4 banger will never sound as good or aggressive as a 6 or 8 but the evo sounds pretty damn good and it's only got a 2 liter. Just wish the newer VW's (particularly the GTI and R) sounded better than it does.
You really forgot the 1.9 TDI (doesn't matter which gen, but has to be a PD)! I own a Polo with the 1.9 TDI myself. Indestructible and very reliable! Famous in Europe
My first car as a Mk 3 GTI VR6. Chassis was crap, but I still get misty-eyed thinking about driving that car through tunnels and doing a nice pull through 3rd and 4th gears. My Mk7 is loads better in every department, but I swear I'd buy a cheap project VR6 just for the noise.
Great vid but I think you left out the father of 1.8t the 2.0lt ABF engine found on Golf 3 Gti. This was an engine with such huge potential on a time that no turbos where present in the tuning scene. Nevertheless we have seen a lot of examples of this engine reaching close to 1000 hp and this is pretty amazing :D
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you forgot about the SDI engines
wheres my 2.5 gang at? one of the most reliable and fun engines VW made
3.0T all the way for me. By far the most responsive V6 engine I've ever driven/tested. I love how frenzied it is. And I mean that in a good way. I can also get 30mpg on the highway, which is impressive considering it's output (and that it's hauling around 4000 lbs in the B8.5 S4).
No TDI ? Really ? 1.9TDI literally moves all western europe every day.
Just was about to say the same thing. I used to have 1.9TDI 81kW in my A4 and loved it. Now moved to A6 with 3.0TDI 171kW, also good engine, but not as famous.
Absolutely seconded, apparently the most reliable diesel engine VAG ever made (unlike the 2.0 PD diesels which are probably the worst - I should know, I have one :) )
SectumSempra yep, most reliable motor ever built.
and also Central Europe :)
You can tune that 1.9 to make great power
TDI is iconic to VW no matter 1.9 or 2.0 TDI but I would say my favorite TDI is EA288 Gen3 that is tunable with KermaTDI stage 1 to 200 hp / 330 ft-lbs and still doing 45mpg
Where is the 1.9 TDI lol, best engine IMO
If you don't count most of europe, sure.
@@kristoffer3000 FACTS
Its indeed too good to be on the list
One of the strongest diesel engines ever made.
He literally says it’s his list in his opinion
I'm a diesel junkie so I just love that the comments are full of respect for the 1.9 TDI. Currently working on swapping a BHW into my 1.8T A4 Quattro
I have the 2.0 TFSi that made the top spot here. I bloody love it, almost as much as it loves oil. Not quite as much though, because nothing loves anything as much as the 2.0 loves oil. 😋
1)VR6 be all and end all. My all time Favorite Engine.
2) 2.0T. Great motor that put VW back on the Map!!
3) Both 1.8T turbo motors.
Lazaro Carreiro
I have 2010 VW CC with the 3.6 VR6 and it is a beast! Amazing passing power! And it is smooth and docile when driven gently, I' ve gotten 30 mpg on highway and average 22 mpg city/hwy. not bad for almost 300 hp.
Miguel Hernandez Great Car! Great motor!! I have a MKIV R32.
there are 24 variations of 1.8T so both sound funny :)
@@77garga there really isnt... the 06A block one and the 058 .
or internal vs external waterpump for the layman
@@jettamaster3297 i am talking about 3 letter codes ther are 24 for 1.8T MPI
Way back in the day - I had a 1.8T AUM engine with KO3S turbo in my Audi A3 1.8T Sport and it was one of the most reliable cars I've ever had!.. great engine with massive tuning potential!... and currently have a Golf R 7.5 with the EA888 :)
My Personal Top 10
1. 3.2 VR6 W/ 15 Degree V (MK4 R32, TT 3.2 Quattro)
2. 4.2 V8 N/A and Bi-Turbo (Audi RS4, S4, S6, S8, R8, RS6, VW Phaeton)
3. 1.8T 20V (MK4 GTI, GLI, Golf, Jetta, 5N Polo, B5 Passat, B5 A4, B5.5 Passat)
4. 4.0 W8 (B5.5 Passat W8)
5. 4.9 V10 TDI (VW Touareg .:R50, Touareg V10 TDI)
6. 1.8 G60 Supercharged (Golf G60, Corrado G60, B3 Passat, Ralley Golf)
7. 2.0T EA888 MQB (VW Golf R, GTI, Audi S3, A3, A4, A5)
8. 3.0T Supercharged (Audi A6, S4, Q5, SQ5)
9. 3.6 VR6 W/ 11 Degree V (VW .:R36, Passat 3.6, Touareg, Audi Q7)
10. 2.2 5 Cylinder Turbo AAN (Audi 200, S4, S6, Quattro)
+Luke Wheeler dont forget the TDI and the 8valved 4 bangers
The 8v 4 Zylinders are fairly reliable but thats all. Nothing special. They even have a block design from like the 70's. exhaust and inlet are on the same side wich is not really good.
Audi 200 used 3B 20vt not AAN
Oh yeah the 4.2 has power and sounds like a beast
Luke Wheeler whats your take on a 3.2 fsi v6 in the a5?
The stock S4 3.0 TFSI engine is definitely understated by Audi at 333hp and 325ft lb of torque. The car pulls, and clocks 0-60 times ranging from 4.4-4.7.
That engine is complete garbage.. worse than the 2.7
Are u insane, it's one of the best audi engines of all time lol. The 3.0 Tfsi is so much more reliable than the 2.7 Bi-Turbo. Sure it's not as tunable but it's still super tunable.
@@b5Bart idk what you're talking about, I love my 3.0 s4
I’ve dusted them in my 2.0t
@@drouxbag94 im @ 330 with 1.8T AVJ!
Solid list. I feel the 1.8t should be about number three though. It brought so many people into the enthusiast community I don't think the brand would be where it's at today without it
Yeah, it is hightech compared to an LS engine, 5 valves per cylinder.
just picked up a 98 vw passat gls wagon with a 1.8t, 5 speed and super fun to drive. 175k and runs greats
Wasn’t reliable though lol. VR6 lasted longer
I don’t think it was in any particular order
3.2 VR6, 3.6 V6, 4.2 V8, 5.0 V10 TDI, 6.0 W12. My top 5 VW engines. For me the best is the 3.6 V6 found on the Passat CC R36.
The EA113 hight output with K04 is a great and very reliable engine capable of 375 HP on stge2 HPFP with Unitronic. I think he have a place in the top 5 !
Is that 1.8 non turbo
Great video and very informative, now y'all going to hate me, my fave is still a naturally aspired 2.5L 170HP motor found in all MK5s. Feed it with hi octane gas for some time and the monster will awaken!
1.9TDI is the most reliable and most reasonable in power per cost engine in VW. VW owns Audi. Period.
I missed the 1.8 16V KR. Great output, high reving and just great fun to drive in a GTI MK2. One awesome inline-4-16V engine.
Nice lineup of top gas engines, but I must admit the TDI should be in line with these great mills, especially when talking about a bulletproof engine.
The 1.8T I certainly will back up as I’ve personally had one for 18 years, and have taken it from 150 to 320hp.
However now I am looking toward the 3.0T supercharged six cylinder motor. Power easily poured with minimal add ons.
Why does everyone forget the Audi 2.7 twin turbo V6? This is the engine from c5 a6 and b5 s4, these engines could be tuned easily to produce over 400 hp, and with more mods have been seen all the way up to 1000 hp
Probably because reliability is one of the criteria, and they had turbo issues.
Well people put new turbos in it for more power
a well treated 2.7t is a happy engine to have. I love mine.
@@jasonmateus924 Agreed. I have a bone stock B5 S4....just wish it were a negaro blue Avant.
The VR6 gets my vote. I'm holding onto my Mk4 GTI just because of the smooth, wide power band of the engine and the great exhaust note. No one makes front drive v6 cars like this anymore...
like the list. but the 2.5L inline 5 engine has to be number 1. not only is it the imsa engine. but also audi's legendary quattro rally car engine. and that SOUND!!!
bro it isnt
@@himbeermarmeladee it probably is. But the person who made the list is probably just as ignorant as you "bro"
@@cornedenecker1636 no the 2.5 is not the fkng imsa engine and not the s1 e2 engine. Check?
2.8 V6 FSI from my Audi A6 (2013), works still like a charm, very happy with the engine
I don't have a top 5, but I do have a number 1. The 1.9 alh code tdi. I've doubled the horsepower and almost tripled the torque with basic bolt ons and a tune through Kermatdi. And I still get over 40 mpg and don't have to worry about it ever taking a dump on me as long as I change the oil and keep up with the timing belt. Simple, powerful, economical.
Can beat the 1.9 ALH. My favorite of all VW. It's bulletproof as long as you maintain them properly. As for power a few bolt-ons and a tune and it is a different creature. I love my 1.9TDI ALH and I am keeping it for as long as I can.
I get it, this list is all about power potential/tunability. But for my favorite VW engines list I would include the 1.9 TDI, the EA888 1.8Tsi, and the 2.5L. The TDI was great fun to drive, and 50+ mpg on the Hwy was unbeatable when VW came out with them in the 90s. Plus, they lasted for a very long time. The 1.8TSI in the recent Passats, Jettas and Golfs are seemingly very reliable, very spunky (especially passing on the hwy) and very thrifty. And the 2.5 gets my vote for reliability. We have two in my family nearing the 200,000 mile mark and neither has had any issues with the engine or the automatic transmission. And you still see a ton of these on the road. Not the sexiest or most frugal, but a damn near bullet proof engine...and I'll take that any day.
Don't forget those 07ks tuned make the same power as a TSI but way more reliably while sounding like a group B monster .... Super underrated engine.
1.9 all day, everyday period!
2.5 mk5 rabbit owner here and can confirm everything said. i love my 2.5 and i have the 5spd manual, its a fun little car. and even stock itll roast some tires lol. reliable, fun, and quick i wouldnt say fast unless you got some major mods lol
1. 1.8T --> Golf 4 GTI/ Audi A3 8l
2. Vr6 ---> Golf 3 2,8/2,9 Vr6 Engine
3. 2,5 TSFI ---> 5 Zylinder Engine Audi Rs3
4. 5,2 FSI V10 Engine ---> Audi r8
5. 2,7l V6 BiTurbo ---> Audi RS4 B5 (Avant)
6. 4,2l V8 ---> Audi Engine
7. 2,0 TSI ---> Golf 7 GTI Engine
8. 1,9 TDI with 130HP
9. 2,2l Turbo Engine ---> Audi RS2 Avant
10. Audi V10 TDI ---> Q7
11. 2,0l V16 Golf 3 GTI Engine! :D
Paul, I think he means c5 s6 4.2
I love the VR6 so much and have had three in different cars; Golf mk3 VR6, Golf mk4 V6 4Motion and my current Corrado 2.9 VR6.
I have a 1.8TSI Passat. I love this engine, I get 40+ mpg on a long trip while simultaneously having great acceleration.
Same
I think the N/A 1.6 16v injected vw engine should be talked about. A great engine even though it's slow today... It should be respected for starting the hot hatch trend back in the mk1 rabbit GTi. I happen to drive a polo with this engine and I love it because it's just enough.
Missing the good ol' vw air cooled engine! They've got a massive following, and incredible potential :)
The turbocharged 5 cylinder and VR6 takes me to my happy place.
+Badgertronix : )
I got vw t5 2.5 tdi174 4motion but it have now 237bhp
Great selection.
Both my inline 5 20vt and 2.0T approve :)
Still I have my golf 1996 gti vr6 looks like new Avery time I’m driving give me goosebumps
a list of the best VW engines without any mention of the original aircooled t1 engine ! they only made 21 million of them !. lasted for 65 years, could be mended by anyone with spanners, go on forever and are freqently highly tuned for drag racers.
without this engine there would be no VW !
A happy 04 GTI owner here with a 1.8t :) intake, exhaust, DV, stage 1 tune, at 215hp and 235tq. Pretty darn cheap for the gains.
I agree with that list. I had a 1.8T and a VR6 12 valve and 24 valve. Amazing motor! My next car is going to be an S3 and definitely a tune will be in the works.
VW 3.6 VR6. One hell of an engine! Drove mine with timing chain slip in it for over ten thousand miles and it still kept going until I had to get the guides and chain done
1- vw flat 4 beetle engine
2- Audi 5
3- vr6
4- 2.0tsi
5- 1.8t 20v
I think the VR6 should have been #1 and I'm sure others have mentioned already the cylinders are not straight up and down. There is a small angle there so they are not just staggered and straight up but are staggered with a 15 degree or so angle.
Nah, 1.9tdi is #1, 12v vr6 #2
I have a 1.8t that I got from Florida. I live in Ohio and the first few months I've gone through 5 starters after that I had no problems.
1.9 tdi the best engin ever, milion km +
I have 2001 audi a3 1.9 tdi 73kw 300.000 km and i still drive it everyday
Can this engine be found in us market? I’m new to Audi and new to diesel . But I want a diesel to give my S8 a break
@@christian_urocar Yes, you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a decent one
2.2 I5 20VT
Air cooled F4
VR6
3.0T
EA888 Gen3 2.0T
Honorable mention:
VR5
1.4 TSI twin charged
not one person mentioned the 4.0l W8. This is an engineering marvel. like 2 VR4's on a common crank. It is absolutely butter smooth, purrs quietly and takes off quickly. It is not the powerhouses as mentioned and it cannot be turbo charged as there is not enough room. But it is a beautiful motor in every way. Quiet, smooth, no vibration, a treat to be in a car like that. And if looked after, it will do a half million miles easy. the exhaust note is unlike anything out there. Mini Veyron.
With a little modification to design faults, the TFSI motors are pretty good too. They don’t make as much power as the newer ones, but still tunable and are very affordable in the MKV GTI and Audi A4.
I have a friend who swapped a VR5 20v into his mk3 Golf, thirsty engine, but even after a winter without running starts instantly, and with its custom exhaust sounds like a small V10. For me it is the engine of choice for an old VW
Still want a TT-RS
For me my number one is off my 07 A8. V8 4.2FSI. 20,000 miles a year and bullet proof. 100+ mph everyday and never an issue.
I like the 3.0 tdi v6 its my all time favourite diesel, the torque is amazing and with a proper tune its a beast with a decent economy.
the best ever
Audi AAN. Reliable and can take high HP no problem. Birth of the S series. UrS4 and UrS6. I had a UrS4 and LOVED that car!
Roots from the rally and tarmac heritage. Audi S1 and Audi IMSA GTO.
I will NEVER get tired of listening to 5 cylinders. 4 isn't enough and 6 is too much!😉
Seriously though! I know this video is old and he looks like he is younger so he may not be up to speed on them like that. But the AAN and all its derivatives are the undisputed kings of the Audi powerplants. An URS4 has held the land speed record for a sports sedan for over a decade and the quickest Audi powered vehicle on the planet also runs one. And they are reliable as hell even when modified. The only powerplant that comes anywhere close would be the Vr6…
@@seanpugh6792 you can thank the engineers and people who worked at the skunk works at Audi Sport in the 80's. After all, it's them that asked corporate chairman to bring back the 5 cylinder! 😉
1.9 TDI AFN
How do you not have the s4 b5 2.7tt engine on the list? Fully forged from the factory with bolt ons getting 450+ bhp and not forgetting the noise, which for me is better then that of the inefficient r32 👍🏼
The reliability was laughable
I get that the ea888 Gen 3, what you reference as MQB, is the latest and most powerful iteration of this series engine. That said, to be fair, the ea888 engine has been around 10 years and has steadily been improved upon each year. Yes, the early ea888 Gen 1 in the Mk6 platform experienced issues, but nearly all of those were sorted out by in later Mk6 models. The truth is that the Gen 3 improved upon Gen 1, but it's still in the same family of engines (ea888). So a possibly more accurate statement may be that the ea888 series engine takes the top spot.
The Mk6 R had the CDLC EA113 found in the S3 Gen2 8P ;)
1.6 TD Golf 2 ;)
Runs forever
Excellent list, but I would remove the 3.0t and replace it with the 2.7t.
The 3.0T definitely belongs on here BUT I'd say if he had to choose, the 2.7TT should've been the choice between the 2. B8 s4 ceiling = stage 2 w/ e85 at ~400whp. B5 s4 ceiling = the sky
Eüro Nasty We are speaking of the same engine. I have never seen a factory 2.7 single turbo.
The 3T was a Ward's top 10 engine, 6 years in a row didn't it?
For all those complaining about no TDI on the list I do believe he was basing his opinion on engines here in America because the TDI engine is not common out here, but definitely should be on at least a top 10
VhexLegend not common? Lol.
2.8 V6 30V is my favorite, one of the most reliable 6 cylinders to ever come out of germany
1) vr6
2) ttrs
3) mqb
4) 3.0t
5) 1.8t
No 1.9 tdi? This just lost all credibility.
Niall Bell not a good excuse.
@Niall Bell 5.9 Cummins isn't big in trucks over in Europe dont have the 5.9 usually but it's one of the top diesel inline 6's to be made. Diesel in a car was made big because of VW IN MY OPINION.
the 2.0tsi in my cupra is 290hp standard. after a stage one your looking at 360ish hp.. great engines.
177k miles on my 1.8t still going strong.
I just bought a '14 Jetta SE about month ago and I'm extremely impressed by the power, torque and 34+mpg! I owned a '00 Passat 1.8T and it was nice, too, but the cooling system leaked like sieve and it got pricey. My '94 Golf LE had the 2.0L ABA and it left a lot to be desired HP-wise but it was bulletproof and rock solid reliable up to 200K plus. My only issue with my new Jetta is now I have leaking Main Seal and I have to convince my local dealer (not where I bought it) to fix it under the warranty. Is this a common issue with this power train?
A tune of my 2.0T gives me the same hp and torque as my old 5.7L '96 Trans Am and yet I was also able to drive from LA to Vegas AND BACK on a single tank of gas...yeah....it's cool
mmrseed which car do you have? I’ve got a MK7 GTI and I’ve made that drive... down to about 1/4 tank when I get there. Never even come close to 600 miles on one tank lol
1.9TDI 66kw, 81kW is the #1
Not the fastest thing around but I love my 24v vr6. All opened up they sound so good. VRsexx!
Finn Custom Knives dude... I had a 2003 GLI with that engine and a 6speed manual. Best car ever. You need to slap on a good turbo build and you will be pushing 400bhp, plus that growl AND the spool? *nnnng*
The VR6 engine is just brilliant engineering - solving challenging packaging and power problems. Feel it a true auto enthusiast product pretty much without equal.
Mid 80' I-5 20 valve Turbo. Very dependable engine. Great power.
I loved my 1.8t in my old passat wagon 5 speed... 5 valves per cylinder and was bullet proof. I was also the first to install Japanese parts in her. HKS ssqv, custom 2 3/4 inch exhaust with apexi dunk muffler and apexi boost gauge and timer. Interior was all sparco, Sparco ring steering wheel with sparco torino seat. Man I missed that car. A wagon with all that on it... almost forgot the carbon hood...
+Mark Speed6 Sounds like fun!
When you said "all time" I expected some air cooled stuff to come up on the list.
I had a 1988 VW fox. The engine & drive train out lasted the body ( rusted ). I was a 1.8L easy to work on. ( shit for power 85 HP as I remember ). The same engine was used the the Rabbit / Scircco / Jetta / Audi models and others. The other thing that wasn't mentioned was the flat 4 that was in the original beetle. What he mostly talks about performance and upgrades. Let me know what other models that engine was used in. Thanks.
1.9 TDI great engine.
A8 D2 4.2 40v V8 @ 310 HP Great engine ;)
My favorites vw engines.
1.- VR6
2.- 2.0 16v 9a engine
I think I recognized 2.0T ignition coil part numbers on your shirt
Any 2.slow fans ✌🏼️
Pedro Sanchez love my Mk3 golf 💗
Pedro Sanchez me mk4 with a 2.0
Make great, dare I say reliable, daily drivers in stock trim. I like the idea of 16 valve or 20 head swaps though for a high revving engine. Of course, this is involved, requires piston changes and a lot of other work.
Pedro Sanchez I had a new gen 2.slow. 2012 I had that brown color in manual.that car had to be sorta rare. I hated it then I started to love thar car. I had a 2017 GLI it was everything I wanted and it ended up a lemon. Now I Own a 2018 GTI. That 2.slow made me a fan for life even after my lemon case
I had a 2.8 vr6 now a 3.2 vr6 and have 2.0 also a 4.2 and a 1.8! 5 valve but I want a 5.2 v 10 it should be the best but I may not be able to afford it 😢. There is hope for the 5cy turbo though 😊
No love for the flat four? The grandfather of all VW motors, and probably the most important to the rise of VW.
Still a nice list, glad to see the 1.8T get credit.
I might put the 1.8 8v and the 1.9 Tdi, and 2.0L(non turbo) in there somewhere. Just for their reliability, and how long they last the 1.6 tdi gets props for lasting the longest for me. My dad has a 1.6 Tdi Jetta with almost 500,000. As far as the 2.8 VR6, I had 3 mk3 Jetta GLX’s one had over 316,000, and another was 256,000 I believe. I had a 88 Jetta 1.8. 8v with 375,000. Most recently i bought a 2011 Jetta S with a 2.0L and a 5spd. Oh, all my cars have been Manual Transmissions. Manual Transmission’s just don’t tear up hardly ever. I’ve only ever seen 2 go bad, 1 got water in the gear oil, and the other was low of oil, so they both burned the bearings up and started roaring.I’m a 3rd generation vw mechanic, if you can’t tell I’ve been dealing with VW’s my whole life.
you forgot 1.9 Tdi
+bruker enduring I agree. This seems like more of a performance oriented list, but those older TDI engines should not be left out. Specifically, the ALH TDI engine (98-03) is seriously bulletproof and many people have over 500,000 miles on them. Not to mention they easily get over 50 mpg, and the low end torque makes them pretty fun to drive. They are decently tuneable as well.
I know this is old. But he's in the US like me. Diesels in anything nut a big lifted truck here never tool off. Never really knew why
I own #3 and #1, go me! (1995 S6 and 2016 GTI). The AAN is an amazing engine, still fun stock after all these years. It lacks the instant low rpm power of the EA888.. if you're driving it in anger you have to hold the rpms like you're Walter Röhrl.
lol audis 5 cylinder 2,5L should be number one
nope, VR6 is better
TheDavo6233 hell nah
Most Reliable? Yup.
add to the line up the older 2.2 turbo 5 cyl, 2,3 5 cyl....famous sound they produce :)
Just recently bought a golf r with the EA888.3 (MQB). It has been rock solid. These engines can handle so much power on stock internals, and have so much potential. With just downpipe, intake, Eurodyne stage 2 flash this car makes 102hp and 136ft/lb over stock. It is a totally different car with the mods. Sub 4s 0-60. Tuning possibilities are endless. I have read on forums that these engines can handle up to 600hp reliably. Only gripe is that they don't sound all too great.
That being said, my first VW was a 2001 VR6 GTI, magnaflow exhaust. That engine made the best sound ever. I still think about it. The car had instant power at any rpm. Had great characteristics.
Both great engines and I think he nailed it with this video.
I had a 2000 V6 3.0 liter, 30 valves Passat wagon. I loved that engine. Although it was listed as 190 HP, I never felt it lacked power. I wonder what you think of that engine. Did it have a lot of issues?
Yep, 1.9TDI with VGT 115BHP but 310NM Torgue. would leave anything for dead for 100 yards. not as quick but will pull anything.
I'd have to say KR, 9a, aba, and abf. Up to 375hp on stock internals with a turbo, and 200 with built NA. I've see em as high as 1200hp with a built engine that is twin turbo'd. They are light, small, bullet proof, parts are cheap, 30+ mpg, and some can be had for free on CL. My MK3 gti w/built NA aba with 180 hp, is funner to drive and way quicker up to 80mph, than my 375 hp 2015 all road on accuair.
I just got a 2006 mk5 GTI and the 2.0 l turbo motor is so awesome. one of my favorite motors. I just wish it sounded as awesome as like a vr6 or 5 cylinder motor. either way awesome motor and really fun car.
Hi I am a Skoda car owner in India. My Car has 1.0 TSI ,3 Cyl, 113 Bhp, 178 NM, GDI without port injector on intake valves.
I have a few questions and would be grateful if an experienced person like you can answer:-
1. The recommended engine oil is 0w30 on the owners manual. The place where I like the temperature is about 40 Degree Celcius for 6 Months, 15 Degrees for 3 Months, 30 degrees for 3 months. Is this engine oil for this temperature ok?
2. Skoda recommends changing Engine Oil every 15K kms, Spark Plugs every 60K kms. Should I replace these at these recommended intervals or sooner? How much sooner?
3. If I drive it more aggresively will it have a positive effect and reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves, or will have a negative effect and increase blow-by and hence increase carbon deposits?
4. Should I drive in Non-Turbo range i.e below 1750 RPMs to prolong the engine life as I won't kick in the turbo at these revs and would have less pressure on the engine. Or is it bad for Turbo and ruin it instead?
5. How much can I expect this engine to last if I followed the service schedule fully, used top tier 95 octane fuel and baby'ed the car?
Thanks and Regards
MQB 2.0 T (TSI) is a dream to tune. Boy do we tune alot of them 😂😀 Good list!
Currently I drive a 2019 GTI 2.0. Fun car and quick. However, I had a 2012 golf base model 2.5, 5 cylinder. That 2.5 was as fast, smoother, and was better on fuel. And trouble free. Too bad VW discontinued that little work horse, and that it didn’t make your top engine list ! Thanks, RickGTI….. 🌴
mk5 gti owner over here happens to concur with your list dear Sir. Great video as always!
The greatest vw engine I've every nobody has even mentioned yet is the original 2.5tdi which first came in Audi 100 which was diesel to blow away the gti and then that engine went into the lt and transporter vans that 5 cylinder is bomb proof and these vans still hold there values
great video man; I would have thrown a special shout out to the air cooled Porsche engines people were throwing in the back of super bugs back in the 70s and 80s, it's not really a VAG motor, but it's close enough... in the family so to speak lol.
and you failed to mention how the VR design concept was brought over to the French's Bugatti branch, and they used that same 15° rake angle to start when designing the W16 for their first production Veyron. think two interlocking VR8s side by side, and you get the idea lol.
1.9 pd Tdi the best 130 bhp very reliable tunable and lots of mpg
As long as the car doesn't mention CVT, you're already ahead of the game.
Thanks for taking the time to put this together man. Well done. I just wish the mk7's sounded better...but then again I'm spoiled by the sound of my vr6 turbo😜. I know a 4 banger will never sound as good or aggressive as a 6 or 8 but the evo sounds pretty damn good and it's only got a 2 liter. Just wish the newer VW's (particularly the GTI and R) sounded better than it does.
that software flash is ridiculous. that is some crazy output in such a small car.
I much prefer the air-cooled VW Motors, but that's just me :-)
You really forgot the 1.9 TDI (doesn't matter which gen, but has to be a PD)! I own a Polo with the 1.9 TDI myself. Indestructible and very reliable! Famous in Europe
Audi A6 2.7tdi 3.0tdi v6 BPP have it for over 2 years now and love it ;)
My first car as a Mk 3 GTI VR6. Chassis was crap, but I still get misty-eyed thinking about driving that car through tunnels and doing a nice pull through 3rd and 4th gears.
My Mk7 is loads better in every department, but I swear I'd buy a cheap project VR6 just for the noise.
1.9 tdi afn & 3.0 tdi asb wonderful engines
Great vid but I think you left out the father of 1.8t the 2.0lt ABF engine found on Golf 3 Gti. This was an engine with such huge potential on a time that no turbos where present in the tuning scene. Nevertheless we have seen a lot of examples of this engine reaching close to 1000 hp and this is pretty amazing :D
Good choice and should be in top 5. My son and I are currently building one for his first mk2 project 👍