My supervisor wants a Jetta.

The 1.8 T has better milege but what's going to be faster?

1.8 T
180 HP @ 5500
174 Torque @ 1950

or

VR6
174 HP @ 5800
181 Torque @ 3200

I was thinking the VR6 is the way to go? What do you think?

 

The VR6 is faster..............but don't know if it handles any better than the 1.8T

 

Never driven the 1.8T, but the numbers look very respectable. I had a GTI VR6 prior to owning an S2K and I hated giving up that car. With only a couple of mods (intake, P-chip and exhaust), I was able to knock off a full second of my 0-60mph times (G-tech meter). Gosh, I luvd that car

 

Phantom,

The 02 VR6 engine should be at 200hp as VW upgraded to 4 valves/cylinder on that engine. The info you have on the 1.8T engine is correct. If your supervisor is NOT intending on doing any work/modding to the car, then the VR6 is definitely the way to go. Otherwise the 1.8T engine is a great engine to tune.

I used to have a 98 GTI VR6, loved that V6 but the only mod which would give you serious gains (100hp+) is a supercharger which I didn't have the money for at the time. With the 1.8T engine, adding a conservative chip from Garrett will give the car a 60hp incease, and there would be more to go if you are willing to do more.

Hope that is helpful.

 

When do they want to get it? Because if they can wait a couple of months, Volkswagon is putting a 24-valve head on the VR6, bumping the horsepower to 201 (torque evidently stays the same). They're supposed to show up sometime in late December - early January. This is according to the Car mags (Car & Driver, Road & Track). The same engine is already in the new Microbus (although it isn't 'micro' anymore).

 

First off, it's Volkswagen, not Volkswagon.

Second, I'd wait for the 24V VR6. It's going to be an awesome engine. The 1.8T is pretty good, but the VR6 is a much better driver's engine - sounds better, smoother, no turbo lag.

The 24V Jetta is making its North American debut at the NAIAS in January.

 

Like was said, if he wants to tune it, pick the 1.8T. If it is going to stay stock pick the VR6. I have recently driven both. The 1.8 really reminded me of our S2000...Minus 3 grand in the RPM range. Not much turbo lag, but it is still there.

The VR6 had a really nice growl from the exhaust. This car was much more refined and smoother.

If it were me, I would buy the 1.8T. It has a little more attitude to it.

Oh, if he decides to wait for the 24V VR6, he should prepare for a long wait. Dealers have long waiting lists and will likely gouge on the price.

Try here for some more research.
http://www.vwvortex.com/

 

First off, Volkswagens are crap, don't buy one. The product is bad, the corporation and dealer network are even worse.

I had a 1995 Jetta VR6 that was an awsome car when it ran, but for the 4 years I owned itm most of the time it was in the shop. the service departments were retarded and Volkswagen of American was totally worthless. Even if thier product is better (and I hear it is) having to work with the dealers and VWoA would keep me from buying a new VW or Audi for that matter. If you want to see 2 full pages listing all the problems and failures I had with my Jetta I will GLADLY send them to you. I also have about 50 pages of work receipts for that car. NEVER AGAIN will I buy a VW product, even if they started building S2000s!

With that said. Get the VR6. when it runs correctly (isn't leaking oil from the gaskets, or melting main wiring harnesses) it is a great motor, with lots of torque.

Wish your boss the best of luck for me if he gets one of these cars.

Just a few of the problems. Transmission rebuild at 16,000miles, failed wheel bearings, failed motor mounts, shorted main wiring harness, Air bag problems, RUST (in California!!!), etc., etc.....



Andy

 

I got smoked by a VR6 Jetta last year on the freeway, but I don't believe it was stock; I don't see how it could have been.

 

Stock for stock a 12v VR6 will beat a pre 2002 1.8t. Now, the 2002 1.8t has 180hp vs the 12v VR6s 174hp, and basically comes down to driver as to which is faster. The 24v VR6 which will be hitting dealers in March - April will come with 204hp.

Now lets get into mods. A $500 chip will put the 1.8t (Any year) at 205 - 210hp, and a few more mods will yield you even more power. Check out http://www.goapr.com for 1.8t goodies.

As far as VWs being crap, i've had a '99 and '00 GTI. Niether of them were crap with combined mileage of over 40k miles. Not a single problem. On my '01 Golf TDI with 10k miles, I've never had a problem either. I don't know why you think VW is crap. Hardly any of my friends have had issues with theirs either. Keep your ignornant comments to yourself.

I'm just your local European guru