Which FR... 1.4 vs 1.8 TSI

[JackReacher]

I would say 1.4ACT>1.8tsi>1.4tsi

There really isn't much in it performance wise, same torque, 30bhp more in the 1.8 but 70kg more weight. In day to day driving they won't feel much different, and you get better economy with the 1.4 which should also help residuals. The brakes and better rear suspension are only of value if you do a lot of spirited drives, and I would argue if that's the case you want a cupra.

Just have a drive of both and get the one you like!

 

[jmh0804]

^^

From above thats rubbis. The 1.4 keeps up with the 1.8 for a moment. the revs build on the 1.8 and you get proper power delivery just as the 1.4 is falling off the power.

The 1.8 is streets ahead on performance.

As everyone else has said with the 1.8 you get the benefit of the multi link rear suspension and a proper brake set up.

MPG wise - my long term average is a little over 36mpg. My trips are 4 miles stop start to and from work and I always reach 30mpg. on a run I can get 40 plus. I'm not a fuel saving light footed queen either.

I had my 1.8tsi for about 12 weeks and was on the cusp of trading for the cupra 280. (I opted for the healthy bank balance)

 

[JackReacher]

The 1.8 is streets ahead on performance.

Really? Half a second difference to 60 and 6mph difference to top speed, that's not streets ahead by any means. I'd be interested to see 0-100mph times as they are a better indicator of performance, but even then I wouldnt expect much more than a second difference.

I'm not saying the 1.8 isn't quicker, it is but it won't feel much different in day to day driving, that's my point. Add the benefit of an extra 10mpg and road tax £100 cheaper, I think the 1.4 ACT is a better option for most people.

 

[Jord]

I've tested them back to back, side by side, the 1.8 strolls straight past the 1.4 after 40-50mph and is never seen again. The 1.8 runs roughly around 200bhp whereas the 1.4 runs 150-155, 50 bhp and around 30lbs ft of torque is heavily noticeable when they are side by side. But saying that driving the 1.4 and the 1.8 on a day to day basis I would say the 1.4 feels slightly more punchy as it's max torque comes in much earlier than the 1.8's does.

It all depends on your driving style, if your coming from a diesel the 1.4 maybe great for you.

But if you want an undercover hot hatch that is as quick as a mk6 golf gti then get the 1.8, as I find it hilarious when an focus st or Astra vxr can barely pull away from it.

 

[Fred99]

around 30lbs ft of torque is heavily noticeable when they are side by side.

Really? I thought the 1.4 and 1.8 had the same torque - 250nm.

 

[easybreeze80]

But if you want an undercover hot hatch that is as quick as a mk6 golf gti then get the 1.8, as I find it hilarious when an focus st or Astra vxr can barely pull away from it.

I guess the weight of this car is its big advantage, with the VXR pulling 240bhp I can't see how else you could stick with it. But from your comment, they're still pulling away so it's not a win

 

[JackReacher]

I've tested them back to back, side by side, the 1.8 strolls straight past the 1.4

But if you want an undercover hot hatch that is as quick as a mk6 golf gti then get the 1.8, as I find it hilarious when an focus st or Astra vxr can barely pull away from it.

I'm struggling with this a bit, so the 1.8 strolls past the 1.4 with just 30bhp more, but compared to the VXR with 60bhp more, the 1.8 is almost as quick??

 

[jcbmally]

1.8tsi IMO

Has anyone driven the 1.4 and the 1.8 coupe back to back? I've only driven the 1.4 in the 5 door version, which felt heavy to drive but maybe not a fair comparison as its the heavier 5 door.

The 1.8 coupe seemed to have great handling but more power than I'd ever need...

Bit of a late reply so soz, I drove the 1.4 and 1.8 back to back (twice) and yeah the 1.4 felt quick but the 1.8 was even better. I did not see a big difference in torque in the first few gears but as you get to 4/5/6th the 1.8 shone. The 1.4 is a little better on fuel than the 1.8, but the 1.8 brakes. suspension, engine is way better on the 1.8. I test drove both cars twice for an hour each but to be honest my mind was made up pretty quick with the 1.8.

Soz a bit long winded but there ye go, 1.8 all day long

 

[Toon]

I would say 1.4ACT>1.8tsi>1.4tsi

The brakes and better rear suspension are only of value if you do a lot of spirited drives, and I would argue if that's the case you want a cupra.

Just have a drive of both and get the one you like!

No, having really good brakes is always beneficial no matter how you drive the car, one day they could save your life!. And the 1.8 brakes having been taken straight from the GTI parts bin are simply brilliant. My last car was an Impreza STI running around 320bhp and these brakes are streets ahead of the Brembo's fitted to the Subaru.

The Cupra is a great car but is a lot more money than the 1.8.

 

[Jord]

I wish I recorded it, as I was shocked aswell I mean my car only had 1100 miles on it at the time so the engine is still tight. The vxr even had a full decat a load of engine mods such as a bov, samco hoses, chrome pipe work, full induction kit and a few other bits and bobs but it was not mapped. My car also made a decent gap between it and a fiesta st.

But saying all this, the Astra vxr absolutely batters the leon from an standing start but from second to third and so on the leon still manages to hang around.

There's a lad on Audisport who has a dtuk box and had his 1.8 tsi a3 RR'd at 262bhp and 270lbs ft, but unfortunately he didn't have it RR'd without the box, as that would of been interesting to see what they actually run standard.