1.4 v 1.5

Now that there are a fair few 1.5s out there (and the 1.4 is defunct) I’m interested to hear from those with experience of both engines (ours is a DSG).  We ordered our 1.4 last year when both 1.4 and 1.5 were available.  The decision was based on several factors:  £300 cheaper, (surprisingly) £950 higher GFV and reluctance to be an ‘early adopter’ of a new engine albeit cylinder deactivation was available on some 1.4s in the VAG group.  I didn’t trust the ‘on paper’ fuel consumption gains and even then, on my 10,000 miles per year it didn’t add up to £300 before even considering the more speculative depreciation forecast.  Also, I read reports that although the max power and torque were the same on paper, in reality the 1.4 had better low down torque.

4 Months and 3500 miles in and I am mightily impressed with our 1.4 which has plenty of useable day-to-day power (our other car is an Audi S3 with 315bhp so anything too sluggish would irritate).  The long term mpg is 40 and a 30 mile trip on hilly rural Cornish ‘A’ roads consistently sees mid to high 40s.  I seldom venture on dual carriageways and the nearest motorway is 100 miles away, when cylinder deactivation may have come into its own. 

I wonder if the 1.5 would have shown any tangible economy ‘gains’ and if the power and flexibility would have been any worse/better.  I guess that as ex demonstrators and early trade-ins come on the market people will need help deciding between the two engine options.

Edited 27 May, 20188 yr by Falmouthboy