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1.6 petrol vs 2.0 diesel

  • 08-06-2009 5:38pm
    #1
    niamhus24
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭


    Hi,

    Just looking for a bit of advice, im looking at either an A3 1.6/Astra SXI 1.6 or a BMW 320D.

    I know the cost of tax etc will be more expensive on the 320 but will the overall cost of keeping and running be more expensive??

    Thanks.


Comments

  • #2
    pablosd
    Closed Accounts Posts: 206 ✭✭pablosd


    beemer would be more expensive to service and if anything goes wrong, but u'll save on juice and still have more power, i dunno bout a3 1.6 bit weak for that kinda car a bit cheaper to service than bmw, astra well, its different category cheapest tu run i reckon, u will definately enjoy beemer most, nice diesel 150brake, comfy and good looking but could be dear to run.....


  • #3
    spank_inferno
    Closed Accounts Posts: 3,892 ✭✭✭spank_inferno


    I recently drove the 2 door opel astra 1.6ltr "sport" on holiday in france and I have to say I found it dissapointing.

    The engine is well insulated, but at 70 -80mph you could tell it was labouring.

    320D anyday


  • #4
    AlienGav
    Closed Accounts Posts: 520 ✭✭✭AlienGav


    Have you considered an MG ZT?

    The cdti version uses the same BMW engine, so should be just as reliable... They're great on juice and look kinda cool!
    However I have heard a few horror stories about that engine, mainly involving their turbos!

    You could get a zt for buttons, maybe a 03 or a 04 for a lot less than the BMW, the money you save could be put away for something that might happen and a bit towards your 600quid rado tax... :pac:

    http://www.carzone.ie/search/MG/ZT/DIESEL-M/200849191095199/advert?channel=CARS

    You could get something like this all in for about 6 grand...

    http://pistonheads.com/sales/1077395.htm


  • #5
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,263 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    AlienGav wrote: »
    Have you considered an MG ZT?

    The cdti version uses the same BMW engine, so should be just as reliable... They're great on juice and look kinda cool!
    However I have heard a few horror stories about that engine, mainly involving their turbos!

    If it's the e46 320d, there were two diesel engines. The earlier one was 136bhp and ran until around 2002, this is the one also in the Rover 75 and Freelander. The later one was 150bhp and this is the one that had more problems with the turbo from 2002 until 2004. Much smoother engine, which was put into a coupe model as well. The earlier one didn't have as many problems, but wasn't totally immune.


  • #6
    bazz26
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 51,363 ✭✭✭✭bazz26


    What kind of mileage per year do you do op?

    Pointless running a 2.0 diesel if your only doing 10k miles a year. The premium you pay for the diesel will not be made back at the pump. You then also have to factor in increased tax and insurance.

    Maybe as a best of both worlds you should consider one of the smaller diesel engined cars. The Astra is available in 1.3 litre and 1.7 litre CDTi. Ford Focus, Volvo S40, Mazda 3 and numerous Peugeot and Citroen cars are available with a 1.6 litre diesel engine. All these will be as powerful if not more than a 1.6 lite petrol but will have superior fuel economy.


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  • #7
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,263 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    bazz26 wrote: »
    What kind of mileage per year do you do op?

    Pointless running a 2.0 diesel if your only doing 10k miles a year. The premium you pay for the diesel will not be made back at the pump. You then also have to factor in increased tax and insurance.

    I do agree, but I think I'd still take the 320d over a 1.6 A3 even if it was low mileage.


  • #8
    niamhus24
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 28 ✭niamhus24


    Yeah I don't really do a lot of miles but the bmw is a really nice car, the tax and insurance ain't that big diff, I just don't wanna buy something that I will prob realize is way way more expensive to run!!!


  • #9
    olewy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭olewy


    OP, the 1.6 in the A3 is way too weedy and underpowered so I'd knock that off your list straight away if I were you.

    Have you considered the 1.9Tdi or 2.0Tdi versions of the A3? Nice car. Or its cheaper alternative: Golf Tdi? (again, exact same engine choice as per A3).


  • #10
    Eoin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,263 ✭✭✭✭Eoin


    Isn't one of those VAG diesel engines very old?


  • #11
    olewy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 299 ✭✭olewy


    eoin wrote: »
    Isn't one of those VAG diesel engines very old?

    True, the 1.9tdi is old alright, sounds like a tractor but has slab load of torque and 130bhp to boot. The 2.0tdi is a revised version of the 1.9tdi, much more refined, quieter, better torque curve, 140bhp. For some the 1.9tdi suits fine as its cheaper to buy, tax and run and has more than enough power, but for me I'd only go for the 2.0tdi (at a premium mind you).


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