I posted this in a thread which was comparing the 1.8 TSI with the 1.9 TDI so it would be better to start again.

There's lots of praise, here and in other threads, for the 1.8 TSI engine. Has anyone any experience of comparing this with the 2.0 TSI in the petrol vRS?

My current CR diesel vRS is excellent, but I might go for a petrol next time. The advantage of a 1.8 Elegance over the vRS, as well as costing £2,000 less, is the better ride and slightly better specification. If the superior power of the 2.0 is felt only at higher revs, there might not be much in it in normal driving. Thoughts anyone?

While I'm on, thanks to James at Allams for a test drive in a Fabia vRS - a great car and another enticing alternative encouraging me to ensure that this, my first Skoda but fourth VAG car, isn't my last.

Vrs means sporty handling and trim but if that's not your bag then a comfy elegance with a remap will give you 200ish bhp so similar straight line performance for less £..

I had this puzzle some time ago. Did I go for a 1.8Tsi or a 2ltr Vrs - both petrol? In the end, I went for the 1.8.

I was influenced in the end by the fact that the 1.8Tsi Elegance was a bit cheaper, the insurance was less, so was the road tax and economy is marginally better. On the other hand, the Vrs handles extremely well, although the ride is a little bit harder. The !.8 handles tidily enough on the road and no doubt the tyres will be a bit cheaper as well.

Also, on the Elegance, I've got a full size spare, whereas on the Vrs it would have been a spacesaver. There's no right answer to the question - just whatever suits you. The 1.8Tsi goes very well indeed and there isn't much difference in the 0 to 60. However at 80 and 90 plus on the motorway, the extra oomph of the Vrs will be apparent.

You pays yer money and takes your choice, but when all is said and done, a Vrs in race blue looks really good.

I have just gone from my mk1 vRS (1.8T) to a 2.0 petrol vRS

Gotta be honest, I really dont find that much difference between the 2 at all, power wise they both seem very similar, so I am assuming the new 1.8 will be pretty good too.

I went for the vRS petrol, my work colleague went for the L&K Diesel, they came in around the same price, gotta be honest, he is a bit gutted because mine looks the Dogs danglies, whereas his looks like a taxi

And sounds like one........

Steve

I had the same dilemma. On paper the performance difference between the 1.8 Elegance and 2.0 VRS is not very wide at all.

I specced up both cars with "must haves". That meant adding reversing sensors and auto dimming rear mirror to the VRS. Having done that I realised I could get the 1.8 Elegance with DSG and still undercut the VRS.

I went for the 1.8 with DSG and as added bonus I got one from stock in the right colour that also had the 17" wheels and sports suspension. I have had it 5 days now and the performance is a good few steps above adequate and well into the big grin region. The engine is so smooth and quiet that I can now hear the tyre noise that features in so many threads.

The other thing to remember is that the acceleration figure of the 1.8 DSG is achievable by a total numpty -into sport mode, floor the throttle and watch the speedo spin around with almost imperceptible gear changes, always in the right gear and no time lost changing. Compare that with a manual VRS where some skill is needed to get the best acceleration.

So my recommendation is to go for the 1.8 DSG Elegance - with the 17" wheels and sports suspension if you want to get a little closer to the VRS in the handling department.

I have just gone from my mk1 vRS (1.8T) to a 2.0 petrol vRS

Gotta be honest, I really dont find that much difference between the 2 at all, power wise they both seem very similar, so I am assuming the new 1.8 will be pretty good too.

I went for the vRS petrol, my work colleague went for the L&K Diesel, they came in around the same price, gotta be honest, he is a bit gutted because mine looks the Dogs danglies, whereas his looks like a taxi

And sounds like one........

Steve

I went Mk 1 vRS to 2.0FSi then to current 1.8TSi, and the 1.8TSi is easily the best I reckon. (power, handling, comfort, space)

I never driven a 2.0TSi but have driven a Audi 2.0TFSi and my remaped 1.8TSi is easily more eager and somehow less stressed then a 2.0TFSi and making about 200PS same as a Vrs. Very smooth engine.

I had the same dilemma. On paper the performance difference between the 1.8 Elegance and 2.0 VRS is not very wide at all.

I specced up both cars with "must haves". That meant adding reversing sensors and auto dimming rear mirror to the VRS. Having done that I realised I could get the 1.8 Elegance with DSG and still undercut the VRS.

I went for the 1.8 with DSG and as added bonus I got one from stock in the right colour that also had the 17" wheels and sports suspension. I have had it 5 days now and the performance is a good few steps above adequate and well into the big grin region. The engine is so smooth and quiet that I can now hear the tyre noise that features in so many threads.

The other thing to remember is that the acceleration figure of the 1.8 DSG is achievable by a total numpty -into sport mode, floor the throttle and watch the speedo spin around with almost imperceptible gear changes, always in the right gear and no time lost changing. Compare that with a manual VRS where some skill is needed to get the best acceleration.

So my recommendation is to go for the 1.8 DSG Elegance - with the 17" wheels and sports suspension if you want to get a little closer to the VRS in the handling department.

Strangely that's what I've got... The only thing I wish I'd ordered (but didn't) was the MFSW with paddles & BT integrated.

My opinion is they are like chalk and cheese, you cant compare the 1.8 to the vrs. the vrs has got sports suspension, sports seats, sports front bumper etc etc. the 1.8 elegance is a more refined/luxurious car aimed at the older end of the market (dont get me wrong they are a nice car to drive and do go ok but a vrs is for the more spirited driver) People are saying get the 1.8 elegance "remapped", but get a vrs remapped and then lets see.

Many thanks for the replies - helpful as ever on this forum.

I love the spirited acceleration of my (CR) diesel vRS, especially when joining motorways and regaining speed after having to slow down from, say 70 to 50 - but I also appreciate the quiet, serene progress at a steady 70. But the ride is firmer than I'd ideally choose, and as people have pointed out you get more equipment with the Elegance trim, and there's room for a full-size spare wheel.

Mine is only 18 months old, so it's not time to change yet, but fun to speculate. I must try both 1.8 and 2.0, preferably with DSG, and see if both can replicate the virtues of the diesel. Annual mileage is now more like 14,000 rather then my previouis 20,000, so a petrol could make sense.

Edited 12 October, 201015 yr by Zdenek Fibich