Engine types

[Maher]

Can anyone tell me if there is much difference between the 2.5L and 1.8L turbo for the years 04-06? Thank you!

[Smileybug]

Well, for one, the 2.5L was only in '06 of that year range...the 1.8T was '04-'05. And the 1.8T has a turbo

What do you really want to know?

[Maher]

I guess what I'm asking is there a lot more pick up on the turbo? I'm not real engine savvy but I don't want something that's going to feel sluggish. And, if there's a difference in gas mileage? I'm going to look at an '05 that's a turbo with 109k miles for $9000. But for about 4-5k more I can get an '06 with 16k miles or '09 with 41k miles but they are the2.5L engine. Thanks for your help!

[Smileybug]

I'd say test drive both. Not sure if there are a lot on here who have driven both to give a good comparison. I do know the 2.5L is a good engine, but doesn't have the best mpgs.

[IndyTom]

Originally Posted by Maher

I guess what I'm asking is there a lot more pick up on the turbo? I'm not real engine savvy but I don't want something that's going to feel sluggish. And, if there's a difference in gas mileage? I'm going to look at an '05 that's a turbo with 109k miles for $9000. But for about 4-5k more I can get an '06 with 16k miles or '09 with 41k miles but they are the2.5L engine. Thanks for your help!

$9000 for an 05 with 109k Miles is Nuts. That car will cost you in maintenance more so than the newer 2.5 engines.
The 1.8 will need the timing belt and water pump service done.
If it hasn't been done already. If you have your mind set on a Turbo keep looking or get these people down to a more reasonable price like 5000-6000 Dollars but not a Penny more.

The 2.5 is quite a capable engine and in general requires less maintenance then the 1.8. It has a timing chain instead of a timing belt and doesn't require replacement. Perhaps an adjustment but not for many miles to come. It is a very peppy engine and is fun to drive. The weak spot would be the tiptronic automatic transmission. Which is tons more durable than the old O1M 4 Speed automatic of older beetle's but it's still a slushbox compared to a decent 5 or 6 Speed manual.
The early tiptronics had some issues with the magnets breaking of the shifter linkage and disabling the manual shift/tiptronic capability. Of the three cars you mentioned I would personally take the 09 with 41K miles. I rather buy a car that I know has been driven and not sat around for a long time. That sometimes is worse than actually driving the car.
Again, test drive each and every one of them to see which really appeals to you. And never ever pay the price that they are asking. They don't expect you to. If they are asking 9000 offer them 5000 and see what they come back with. Then go back and forth with them a bit until they come down to a reasonable offer that seems fair.
It took me 10 days to negotiate the price of my beetle and I got them down to half off from what they were asking. You never know what they are willing to take if you don't haggle with them.

Good Luck and Welcome to the ORG.

[IndyTom]

About the Gas mileage. Smileybug is right the 2.5 isn't known for it's great gas mileage but neither is the 1.8.
I believe the 2.5 will get you between 23-29mpg (perhaps a bit more on longer highway trips)
The 1.8 between 24-31mpg (again mileage will vary depending on how you drive the car.) My car gets an average of 24.7 mpg which 60% of that is city driving and 40% highway.
So really they aren't that far apart as far as mileage goes.
If you want a car for mileage get a TDI. That is what I will buy next. It is quite capable of reaching 42-50mpg again depending on your driving.

[Maher]

Thank you both for your input! Very, very helpful! I will let you know how things work out.

[Maher]

Can you get the TDI in a convertible? Thanks!

[Smileybug]

Not from the factory here in the US.

[300exoh]

We own both the 1.8T and the 2.5L and the power and mileage are nearly the same. I do like the low end power of the 2.5 but the 1.8T oddly enough is a much quieter engine. Maintenance would be cheaper on the newer 2.5L bug and you'll have fewer age related issues. If I had a choice I would go for the nicest 2.5 you can afford. The 1.8T is a great engine but requires a bit more pampering and generally will come with a few more miles.

[Maher]

Thank you!

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

The 1.8L is a 20 valve turbo charged engine which has been proven for over a decade as being almost bullet proof, it is also highly tunable for extensive power increases and there an incredible amount of accessories available for it.

The 2.5L is a 5 cylinder N/A engine which is not nearly as tunable and does not yet have a proven track record like the 1.8t.

It really depends on what your ultimate plans for the car are.