The 1.8T - Wow!!

[Audiophil]

So after years of owning a 2.0 Bug, I test drive this 5 speed 1.8T Bug... WOW!!! Everyone with a 1.8T you are some lucky dubbers... Where my 2.0 would start to loose power on acceleration, the 1.8T just kicks in the boost and the Bug shoots off like a rocket.

The only problem is, I am really hesistant to buy a used car... who knows if all the maintance was done, etc... but the only thing VW offers new now is the 2.5. They claim "the power of a v6" Hmmm... I dunno, anyone compared and driven the 2.5 to their 1.8T I would really like to hear your results. If not, what is the max milage you would buy a 1.8T at? Thanks!

[NYBugman]

I have driven my friends 2.5 Jetta MkV and it moves, but runs out of breath pretty quickly. The 1.8T is by far the superior motor, powerwise. Also, the 2.5 has a redline of 5400 RPM or so. WAY low, IMO.

Get the newest 1.8T NB you can afford. See if the P.O. has service records or buy from a trusted source. I have a VERY used 1.8T and it's a great car.

You think a atock 1.8T is fast, go and drive one with a turbo-back exhaust and a chip. That'll make you tight in the pants

[Audiophil]

Thanks! Yeah, I figured the 1.8T was better, but anyone else care to add to the 1.8T vs 2.5?

[BlackTurboS]

Originally Posted by NYBugman

You think a atock 1.8T is fast, go and drive one with a turbo-back exhaust and a chip. That'll make you tight in the pants

I agree the 1.8t seems like a 2.0 without a chip.

[Lnzbug]

If you are looking for a 1.8t get an 02 or newer. That seems to be the opinion of alot of orgers.

[LilCatPA]

I just got my turbo NB about a week and a half ago and I love it. Seems to eat a lot of gas tho, but that could just be cuz you will find me driving my NB more then you will watch me at home lately. Not really going anywhere, just love to drive it.

[Oyveychris]

Great gas mileage until you wanna spool up the turbo!

[LilCatPA]

Sorry, new to cars and car lingo...spool up the turbo?

[Oyveychris]

When you put the pedal down hard, the turbo spools up (spins) faster creating more power...

[LilCatPA]

Oh, I see.

Well that could be the problem. My husband says I have a lead foot..rofl.

[Oyveychris]

That's a sickness all of us 1.8t owners have...

[Sambeaux]

Not really going anywhere, just love to drive it.
Reply With Quote

That's a sickness all of us 1.8t owners have...
Reply With Quote

yup. I find myself Looking for errands to run!

[Lnzbug]

I didn't know it was a sickness. I read in the owners manual that you HAVE to drive that way

[CyberGypsy]

i have a well cared for 1.8t in the classifieds if you are intrested? 9k will take payments

[lil'turbo]

my vw dealership told me that my 1.8t will leave the new 2.5 in the dust, and i was considering buying a new bug until i found this out. my bug seems to be hard on gas compared to my moms 2L jetta, but maybe thats cuz i drive more because mine is soooo much fun! and i have been told by others that the 2.5 isnt what was expected but i have yet to race one myself.
stick with 1.8T

[Whitacre]

Ok from someone who has driven the 1.8t and 1.8t HO and the 2.5 bug and jetta:

The 2.5 is a puny engine. It gets up to speed but it just lacks. And the engine is LOUD. MUCH louder than a 1.8t for sure. The bugs seem to be louder than the jetta though?

Anyway there is NO question. The 1.8t is MUCH faster. The whole gas issue is called leadfootitis. Its hardly curable and there is no current remedy except the occasional ticket..but that doesnt last long. The 1.8t always seemed to do better for me in terms of gas mileage compared to the 2.0 i have. I figured its because you have to step on it, and leave it for a bit on the 2.0...whereas the 1.8t you just step on it and you're almost already there!

Buy above 2002. Most little issues are taken care of it seems after 2002, in almost any VW really. The newer the better, and if you could get one that is in good shape with at least 10-15k less than 50k miles, you will have plenty of warranty time just in case, and will figure out by then if the bug you picked has a good feel to it mechnically or not.

[Taters Toy]

I can't compare my 1.8t 5-spd to anything except other cars I own and I just have one thing to say...WOW! When that turbo "spins up" hold on. Mine is still stock too. I am hoping to upgrade the exhaust and chip it in the future, but for now its a load of fun! Its an '01 with just over 100K on it. Well maintained and still feels tight as a new engine. My wife's car is a 2.5L Altima 5-spd and I think I could smoke her easy. I know I can when I get started on my mods.

[paultakeda]

It'd be a different story if we were comparing the 1.8T to a VR6. Heh.

But take heart, at least a 2.5L owner can say they've got half a Lamborghini in their bonnet, since the 2.5L is a bank of cylinders derived from the V10 engine in a Gallardo, though sadly, horribly detuned. Wait a few years and the engine mods will come in -- then you'll see gains to 200hp -- all motor, no turbo. Gotta love that Lambo/Audi/VW connection.

[bugfreak]

i've driven the 2.5L jetta and it was pretty fun. it was not a manual transmission but it seemed pretty zippy. didn't really notice a difference in which was faster than the other. i feel that my car (a 2000 1.8T) is not peppy enough for my needs so i got it chipped. well, that's a bit of a disappointement too just cause it's running too rich, only got 16 more hp (vs the 25-40 they boast/advertise that you get)

if you can get a good deal on a used 1.8T it's not a bad car to have. if i were in the market for a new car, i would personally get something totally different. but i'd also keep pookie too.

[Oyveychris]

Originally Posted by CyberGypsy

i have a well cared for 1.8t in the classifieds if you are intrested? 9k will take payments

What happened? You just got it!