Cana someone explain to me the benefits of the TDI versus TSI engine?

1pt21jigowatts

Novice here, looking for the pros and cons of the TDI versus TSI engine options on the Passat. I have had zero experience with a diesel car in my life.

Thanks for any and all feedback!

Mr_Shiftright

The TDI is TurbochargedDirectInjection and is a diesel engine; the TSI is TurbochargedStratifiedInjection and represents VW's latest gasoline engine technology.

Traditionally, the TDI offers better fuel economy and probably a longer overall engine life; however, reports coming in on the TSI fuel economy suggest that maybe the TDI is not worth the extra $2,500 or so bucks you pay for it or for the diesel fuel to run it.

Driving characteristics are also different between TDI and TSI. Diesel engines have more torque, and thus low-end power is very good, for darting around town, up hills, etc. And they are decent highway cruisers---but diesels don't like to rev up like gas engines. You hit a certain RPM and they begin to lose efficiency. They simply don't respond well to being driven like a high-strung sports car. For many people, that's fine. They like that low-end responsiveness and could car less about hi-revving engines.

The TSI offers as much power as the former 2.5 liter engine it replaces, and it should be a lot of fun as well.

There's no clear winner here--you should drive both and decide how they feel to you.

1pt21jigowatts

Thanks a lot @Mr_Shiftright‌, appreciate the insights!