Tdi v TD5

[johnte]

I'm sure this must have been discused before, but which is best, a late 300tdi or an early TD5 (90 that is).

Will I notice much difference in reliability, performance and running costs?

I'm looking for light/medium off roading + travelling a few miles to work every day...

Thanks.

[Tommo]

for me its 300tdi (or even 200 its no worse really!)

with off roading if you damage the TD5 in water or somthing like that its gonna cost you quite a bit. anything can happen.

[mike142sl]

Yep, if it's just for offroading then the 300tdi is a better bet - cheaper to run (slightly) and less electrickery to go wrong.

[littlepow]

TD5 has a more refined engine for road use. Electronics are very basic in car terms and don't pose as big a threat as people think to offroading.
TD5 is also a lot easier to tune and get the engine set up to match how you want to use it most.

[Ser3 J]

And the can is open..........  :-#

If you can - drive a good 300/200Tdi and a good Td5...

Performance - In my experience they drive differently.  I find a TD5 a bit 'snatchy' but feels more powerful.  But as has been stated - a TD5 can be easily re-mapped to suit your application.  Perhaps go on which you prefer the feel of?

IMHO, the running costs are similar but...  Given the 'scare' stories of TD5 electrotricarry you may actually get an early TD5 for less money than a late 300TDi so that may save a little.

Reliability - unless you take it to a completely unsupported location (eg Sahara), without spares, then the 300Tdi may be slightly better BUT the 300Tdi does have its own foibles (Cambelt pulley and p-gasket).  Overall reliabilty probably depends on how its been looked after and how well you look after it!

So - no help really!!  :P  My advice - buy the best overall 90 (If thats what you need/want) - Both engines are great.

Ps - I will qualify this by saying that I own a soon to be 200Tdi Series.... But a good friend owns a 300Tdi 90 (On my advice since she wants to go the Sahara).  At work I drive TD5s and Wolf 300TDi's

[richo]

Anything after 2002 for the td5 has the storm 2 ecu and is a bit better so i'm told.
What ever you buy make sure you check it out 110% as some landys get abused.