Passat 3B: V6 TDI/PD Fuel Consumption with 6-Speed

I'd be interested in comparing the fuel consumption of a Passat 3B with a V6 TDI (AFB) and a 6-speed gearbox, versus one with an AJM (115 hp PD) and a 6-speed. How do the two engines compare in terms of acceleration and power delivery? Also, what are the differences between them in terms of reliability and the timing belt replacement interval? The Passat 3B body (with power windows and all the trim) should already be quite mature by 1999/2000.

Best regards, WarLord.

Hello, power windows are broken; engine is a V6. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages.
I definitely prefer the V6 engine.

Hello.
To the best of my knowledge, the V6 engine has 120,000 km (approximately 74,000 miles) and the PD engine has 90,000 km (approximately 56,000 miles) on it, and both have had their timing belts replaced.

If you frequently drive on the highway, the V6 engine offers more power in the higher RPM range and has a higher top speed. However, it also consumes approximately 1.5 liters more diesel.

The PD has more powerful low-end torque (responds more quickly to acceleration), but is slightly weaker at higher RPMs, which doesn't mean you can't drive it fast on the highway.
These are my driving impressions, anyway.

@mersente

What other flaws does this model (3B) have? Could you also write a little bit about the successor (3BG)?

@Steffarn

There are supposed to be AJMs with a service interval of 60,000 km.

Best regards, WarLord.

@ WarLord

Yes, the very first ones, around the years 2000-2001, somehow have about 60,000 km, but I think that with the next belt change, it will increase to 90,000 km.

Hello WarLord.

I can only provide information about the 3BG model that I drive as a company car (130 hp, particulate filter, 6-speed).
The body is definitely one of the most well-developed at VW, at least in mine, nothing rattles even after 70,000 km (it shares the same body with the 3B, I'm not sure if they made any changes other than cosmetic ones). For me, starting off at a street corner (with the wheels turned) is always a challenge because it's easy to stall. Otherwise, it's an excellent car that averages around 6.3 liters per 100 km with normal driving (company car...). The V6, especially if used, is probably just as expensive and a good choice, but keep in mind that its running costs will be even higher (insurance, taxes).

Hello,

I also had to make the decision between the AFB and the 115PD. The AFB actually disappointed me. If you want a fuel-efficient and zippy car, I can only recommend the 130 PD. It leaves any V6 in the dust and consumes significantly less fuel. The V6 is relatively fuel-efficient on country roads. However, city driving and a sporty driving style can quickly increase fuel consumption to 12 liters. Incidentally, according to a recent test of a V6 Tiptronic, it still consumes 11.5 liters in the city. Above all, you should be aware that the AFB makes a HUGE amount of noise when it's cold (in winter, below 0°C). I certainly like the sound of a V6, but this is a bit excessive. The top speed is also not much higher than current PD models (AFB Tiptronic: 208 km/h, AFB manual: 218 km/h).

Best regards, Manuel

Well, the question is now irrelevant, as my father didn't want a V6 TDI (thanks to the insurance and the 150 horsepower *g*), and we bought a Passat with a 115 horsepower PD TDI engine (the engine code is not AJM, but the more powerful ATJ).

I'm disappointed with the 130 hp PD TDI in the Passat 3BG; it's not as fun to drive as the 115 hp PD TDI in the Passat 3B (although I've only driven the 5-speed manual versions). Since the trim levels with desirable features like leather, Climatronic, and a 6-speed transmission were rare, we opted for the current one, even though it's older.

Best regards, WarLord.