How to tell if a Tdi is a 90bhp model?

Shoestring7

Shoestring7

Member
Sorry if this is a repeat but I can't see this question answered anywhere. I know the 90bhp model has rear discs, but are there any other clues?

And to the same end, were both 75 and 90bhp models being made until the end of production or did the 90bhp model take over in late '04?

thanks


SS7
PS If anyone has a nice 90bhp car with a bench rear seat they are thinking of selling please get in touch by PM
 
The 90PS model is physically distinguished by the rear disc brakes and a red 'I' on the rear 'TDI' badge (although this can be removed or faked.

Apart from that, there are no visible differences between the 2.

As for the longevity of production, the 75 actually outlasted the 90, as all 'Special Edition' run-out models were 75PS versions. The 90PS was in production for 12 months at most, which accounts for their rarity.

Anything registered on a pre-04 plate will not be a 90PS. To check this, have a look at the VIN on the windscreen. You'll see it starts "WAUZZZ8Z......" then the next digit is meaningless, a filler character. The one after this is a number and it denotes the model year of the car. So, 1=2001, 2=2002 etc.

Anything that isn't a 4 or 5 cannot be a 90 (unless it's had a transplant!).

Cheers,

Mike
 
Again, forgive me if this has been already done to death (I'm new here :)) but is there much "real world" difference between the 75 and the 90?

When I bought our Mk5 Golf 1.4 petrol, it was available in 75bhp and 90 bhp FSi versions. On paper the more powerful engine would seem a no brainer, but I made a point of trying both, and I actively disliked the 90 version. It might have had more power, but you had to use high octane petrol and rev it to get the benefit. It also had all the throttle response of a snail. The 75 bhp engine was much the nicer to drive (and cheaper ... I'm a Scotsman!) so that is what we chose.

I just wonder if the same goes for the diesel. After all, why did they drop the 90 for the final run of cars?

JH
 
John H said:
Again, forgive me if this has been already done to death (I'm new here :)) but is there much "real world" difference between the 75 and the 90?

When I bought our Mk5 Golf 1.4 petrol, it was available in 75bhp and 90 bhp FSi versions. On paper the more powerful engine would seem a no brainer, but I made a point of trying both, and I actively disliked the 90 version. It might have had more power, but you had to use high octane petrol and rev it to get the benefit. It also had all the throttle response of a snail. The 75 bhp engine was much the nicer to drive (and cheaper ... I'm a Scotsman!) so that is what we chose.

I just wonder if the same goes for the diesel. After all, why did they drop the 90 for the final run of cars?

JH
Click to expand...

Good question. But don't talk to me about VAG Fsi engines...!

Does a chipped 75bhp engine offer a good solution, or is this asking for engine problems in the longer term?

SS7
 
Shoestring7 said:
Good question. But don't talk to me about VAG Fsi engines...!

Does a chipped 75bhp engine offer a good solution, or is this asking for engine problems in the longer term?

SS7
Click to expand...

A chipped TDI75 makes for an excellent solution speaking as an owner.

There is no doubt that the TDI90 has advantages over the 75 and when both are chipped, the obvious winner is the 90.

With 75's more readily available and offering better performance when chipped than a standard 90; I would never discount buying a mint 75 in preference to a less than good example of a 90.

In terms of stresses on the engine - in theory the increased performance should mean less revs and less throttle for increased performance - used with respect, (i.e. moderate driving and occasional 'DRIVING'), and I don't see any serious problems. Red line the car daily and don't expect the same return, however, but that goes for a chipped or non-chipped car.

Buy the 75 and get Stealth Racing or Awesome GTI to work their magic.

MHO!!

Cheers,

Darren
 
There is at least one 75PS owner in these parts that is now running at 110bhp (dyno'ed and verified), so indeed, don't discount a 75 out of hand.

On the same day, at the same dyno session, my modified 90PS was putting out 122bhp, so the differential is still the same.

Cheers,

Mike
 
04 Plate clarification

Just to clarify Skipton01's first post!!!!
The TDI90 was made for the model year 2004. This actually went into production in late 2003. Whilst Skipton01 is correct in his explanation of the chassis number, it is possible to find a '53 registration plate example of the TDI90 model.

On the other point, any observations about the performance of the 75 and 90 Fsi petrol golf engines do not apply to diesels. Peak torque of the TDI90 actually occurs at slightly lower revs then on the TDI75.
 
GBMSU said:
Just to clarify Skipton01's first post!!!!
The TDI90 was made for the model year 2004. This actually went into production in late 2003. Whilst Skipton01 is correct in his explanation of the chassis number, it is possible to find a '53 registration plate example of the TDI90 model.
Click to expand...

Indeed. According to the DVLA there were 2 registered in 2003. Someone else said few were sold. Up until Sept 2005, just 5% of A2 were TDI 90BHP. [I must get my finger out and get the 2006 stats - there will be many more TDI Special Edition registered]
 
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