>On 11/3/02 12:13 PM, "Matthew Libby" <MLibby1@CFL.RR.COM> wrote:
>
>>  Im looking to buy a VW golf (2003), and cant decide between the TDI (diesel)
>>  or the gas.  Im torn.  The diesel is 2k more than the gas and
>>offers only 90hp
>>  compared to 115hp in the gas.  However, it offers 20ftlbs more torque and
>>  almost 50mpg!  Can anyone tell me anything about these two engines,
>>  reliability, longevity, maintainence, perfomance...
>>
>>  PS- im selling my westy to pay for this, any buyers?
>
>     I highly recommend the TDI.  It has it's maintenance quirks, but nowhere
>near those of the Vanagon.  It is a dream to drive and the 50+ MPG with the
>ability to run on Biodiesel is great.
>
>     90hp is for starters.  With a few quick performance mods (chip,
>injectors/nozzles, intake and exhaust) you can end up well over 150hp.
>
>     I highly recommend heading on over to http://www.tdiclub.com and reading
>the FAQ.

The only VW diesel I've driven was a 78 Golf 1.6, and it was gutless.
But I'd swear by Toyota's 1.8 and 2.0 diesels. If modern VW diesels
are anywhere near as good I'd say go for it.
--
Andrew Grebneff
165 Evans St, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Seashell, Macintosh, VW/Toyota van nut