Club Touareg Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

V10tdi vs V6tdi vs. V8

Jump to Latest
24K views 44 replies 18 participants last post by  OILSLURPER  
S
#1 ·
So lets compare the V6 TDI to the V10 TDI to the V8......
Now I've been watching Touareg's for awhile......I've driven both the V6 and the V10, but not the V8....

I'm looking for comparisons between the engines. Gas mileage is NOT a concern by any means.

Why on earth would anyone spend the kind of money these V10's are pulling over a V6? I mean the V10 had a good amount of power, but it wasn't earth shattering by any means? Granted I didn't beat on the truck as it wasn't mine, but my jaw wasn't on the floor like I expected it to be by the comments I've seen on this site? I would think a chipped V6 TDI would make close to the power of the V10, or less but have a weight advantage that'll help.....I could be wrong tho?

How's the V8?

Basically I'm looking for whichever is the most fun to drive, but the best value as well. Yes it will be used to tow as well, normally another VW product.

I just can't really justify spending $30-$40k on a truck that is up to 7 years old (04's)...that just seems insane to me, esp since you can get the V6TDI in those ranges, and they are a couple years old....

I mean is the V10 really worth that much more? Anyone drive a chipped V6 TDI, or maybe a modded V8? Are they close to the V10?
 
#2 ·
I've owned both a V8 and V10 for a year concurrently, kept the older V10 and sold the V8...I haven't owned a V6 TDI but am considering buying one, so I have about a weekends worth of seat time in one. So here's are my opinions:

The V10 really is over the top and king of the hill, its gets 6 sec 0-60 times and just pulls like hell at the drop of the throttle. I felt the V8 was fine, but it never gave me (or my passengers) a "holy ****" reaction. The technology in the V10 is spectacular...ok so nobody sees it but if you're a gear head you have to get a chubby over gear driven variable vale timing cams, gear driven accessories, twin intercoolers, twin turbos, and the fact that its the only V10 diesel around. Anyone who drives a diesel will absolutely notice one of these things on sound at idle alone. So in terms of uniqueness, exclusivity, and the "they will never build one of these again-ness" the V10 is awesome. Everytime I drive it it just feels exotic. It handles the worst of the 3 but that isn't to say its bad...its just a bit nose heavy...if the nose heavy-ness stresses you out use your right foot to kick the back end out and it handles just like its supposed to.

The V8 is silky smooth, sounds great, is "exotic" in that it also sits in the A8/S4/S5 and a dry sump version sits in the R8. Its powerful but nowhere near the same league as the V10. Its handles well, but is thirsty...All to say I like it but there's a reason I sold mine and kept an older V10.

The V6 TDI has acceptable power (I'd love to drive a chipped version), is simple in comparison to the V10, is silent, and IMO is the best suited of all engines to the Touareg. Handling wise its the best combination. Fuel economy wise it makes the most sense...and if I had to keep a single touareg for 10 years the V6 TDI would be it.

Hope this helps
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#4 ·
Hit the nail on the head Nick. Hoping to do the MTM V6 TDI tune to my Touareg sometime in the future. The V6 TDI is so smooth I hate to admit that I had fallen asleep once before in the fast lane while driving this truck, but awoke I few seconds later (I think). I wasn't even drowsy. Needless to say I drive with the tunes up and windows cracked open from now on.
I let my little brother drive the truck and he calls the Touareg the 'spaceship' because the power delivery is so smooth and powerful. I think new diesel engines and their low-end torque gives cars a very luxurious feel in day-to-day driving.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#3 ·
IF you are going to compare a chipped V6TDI to a V10TDI... well why not just compare it to a chipped V10TDI :)

The V10 is much faster than if "feels"... so i can understand that you were somewhat underwelmed when you drove it. I have a V10TDI Touareg and the V6TDI in our Q7... the V6 is a good motor.. but the V10 is just a totally different story (and i drive the two back to back on a daily basis.) It's really hard to explain in words why the V10 motor is so wonderful, but when you drive one every day you just fall in love with the amount of immediate power you have at any moment. No drama, no loud noises... when i press down on with the right foot the car gets moving. It's not going to feel/sound like a Cayenne or the petrol V8... which both feel more like a "sports car".. the V10 diesel has a very different personallity. I have said this before and i will say it again.. some people (those looking for the sports car feel, loud exhaust, etc) will be disapointed with the V10... it's not a petrol motor and therefore it's not going to act like one (4K redline!!)... but if you drove one for a week you would never want to give it back.

The other thing to remember about the V10's out there is that they tyically have every option and this will be reflected in the price.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
V
#5 ·
Y
#8 ·
Yes, I do own a V6 TDI, but I have driven every other itteration of the Touareg available to us here in NA. The V10 is a beast, but as said above it makes it a nose heavy vehical. I personally feel the V6TDI is the best balanced motor for the Treg. I also drove the FSI V8 and while it sounded great it was not something that impressed me all that much and at the time I still had my gas 3.2 04. I had a supercharged V6 Thunderbird that impressed me way more then that V8 Treg. It moved the vehical, don't get me wrong, but once you drive a TDI and get used to the torque the gas motors don't seem as appealing anymore. I have had people tell me they could not believe my Treg was a diesel since it was so quiet. In fact someone commented at the rally this year that when I started it up it sounded just like the gas V6 rather then a diesel. For me the V6 TDI is awesome and I live at altitude. I can only imagine what it feels like a sealevel.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
J
#9 ·
I live at altitude. I can only imagine what it feels like a sealevel.
Click to expand...
About the same I expect. One should be getting the same HP and Torque at 10,000' as at sea level. That's because the turbos simply spin faster with the reduced atmospheric pressure. The pressure inside the intake will be limited by the computer to the same amount regardless of altitude. Perhaps the intake temps will be slightly higher at altitude. That will depend upon the efficiency of the intercooler.

The car (truck?) will also experience less wind resistance at altitude. Bonneville anyone?

cheers

johnt
 
#10 ·
I had an '04 V8 when it came out. The V8 was a very smooth motor and had a great consistent pull. It was a gas guzzler though. I now have a '10 V6TDI. Love it! It has great bottom end torque and takes off like a rocket. It "feels" like the V8. Everyone is surprised when they find out it is a diesel, it certainly does not sound like one or smell like one. It is also a great towing truck. Another surprise to some friends was how I towed a 3000lb camper from Denver over the Rockies to Moab using 3/4 tank of fuel for about 18MPG driving mostly right at 70MPH. Everyone else had to stop for gas.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#11 ·
Though I would like to get an ECU performance flash tune myself just to see what this baby can do, I must admit that I've been thoroughly impressed with how well this 2 1/2 tonner does 0-40mph or when I need to get around someone. That torque just makes this thing spring to life and I am simply sold on diesel. It's even growing on the wife.

And, even though you said fuel mileage is not a consideration, I always beat the EPA 25 on the H/W unless I am fighting a lot of wind and generally do better than 21 around town despite the mere 18 rating. Now compare that to the 12-14 town mileage and 16-18 H/W mileage you'll get from the V8. It was just a no brainer to me.

The V10 is a whole different league and price point so it was never a consideration for me/us. And, though an amazing package, it's not nearly as clean burning or smooth running as the V6TDI. And for those V10'ers, that's not an insult so don't get bent, they just aren't. Smooth for a diesel? Yes. Smooth as the V6? No. People remark how clean my V6TDI smells even compared to a gasser much less a diesel. Then they ride in it and can't believe it's a diesel beyond the lower rpm curve.

Now, the new V8TDI . . . that we'll probably never see here stateside along with the off road goodies? Typical! Don't get me started.

](*,)
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
H
#12 ·
Every comment on the V10 is true.

I have a big (by my wallet, see signature) commitment to forced induction, and have a number of pretty fine cars to choose from. My favorite is this damn Touareg, quiet, comfortable, and fast. It can pull 8000lbs at 80mph and deliver 12.4mpg. I have gotten a high of 29.2mpg at 65mph with the cruise set.

Even though it is front heavy, with a few mods it will handle pretty well by any standard.

In fact, if you can find me a better hauling, more economical, better handling, better looking, more comfortable, quieter vehicle (not just a SUV), I'll buy it! (I had a chance to drive the V6TDI for a weekend and it ain't "it" for me). Oh, I owned a Cayenne Turbo previously for a month and got rid of it 'cause it ain't "it" either.

I just love the damn thing.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#14 ·
We get screwed here in Queensland with vehicle registration fees (state motor fees) just for the privilege of keeping your vehicle on the road without ANY other costs:
4 CYL = $630
6 CYL = $788
8 CYL = $959
10 CYL = $1063
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
Ü
#15 ·
I agree with all that Nickm has said. I think the ideal touareg engine is the V6tdi but the V10 is really the one for me... In fact I also own a Cayenne Turbo and I'll be getting rid of it, just don't need it when you have the mighty V10. I will say the real cost consideration of the V10 is not the initial price difference but the potentially huge repair bills, that to me is the lone drawback.
 
#20 ·
beartooth91 said:
Interesting discussion, as I'm looking to sell my '08 V6 Treg in favor of a '07-10 TDI. Though I think I'd prefer the V6 TDI, I've been browsing alot of the '06 and '07 V10's.

Hey gregtay,

How about some pics? I've never seen an '08 Tourareg TDI in the USA.
Click to expand...

here ya go.
 

Attachments

Save
Reply Quote Like Like
S
#17 ·
Yeah offroading isn't something I'd really be doing either......

Moreso I like the "T2" body style better too......I shoulda bought that 2008 V10 for 38k when I had the chance...me=moron

But I'm considering getting a lux limited v6TDI.....just don't want to be kicking myself in a few months thats all

And the thing with the V10 is the fear of ridicoulously high repair costs when something goes wrong. I've had VW's all my life, and really don't want the "issues" that come with a lot of them as the miles get a bit higher, especially if I'm putting out $30-40k to buy one.....
 
V
#21 ·
syonara_g60style said:
....But I'm considering getting a lux limited v6TDI.....just don't want to be kicking myself in a few months thats all.....
Click to expand...
Give me a hypothetical case scenario that you feel might cause this kicking of yourself? The only one that I can think of since off-roading is not your thing anyways, is that the V6TDI is slower to 60mph(even if it "feels faster" due to high torque) and probably even slower at top end range, than a V8 if this sort of thing matters to you. Other then that, if that doesn't bother you at all, it's WIN WIN for the V6 TDI in all other respects.



 
V
#25 ·
I dunno anymore...maybe I read it wrong then...

In case I didn't, and understood him correctly, he will be kicking himself on any repairs on the V10, kicking himself on the V6 (gas or TDI) on the 0-60 numbers, and kicking himself on the V8 gassers number of visits to the pump per month, even though on the latter he said it doesn't matter to him. Now which wins on his scale, is something only he can know. He knows what his budget is, as ultimately, that plays a key role.

Just trying to keep sane level of neutral perspective ;).

BTW, I'm looking at buying a second SUV for my wife. It will either be a Touareg V6TDI or Pepper V6. Probably end up being the former(I like it), although she loves the latter(for now).
 
#28 ·
Ya know... you could alway pick up this super rare (and i mean SUPER rare) find. If i were in the market i might just grab thsi thing.. it's one of a kind. Ordered by VWoA as an exec car (so an VW exec drove it for a year).. so they can order whatever they want. You will never find another Touareg like this.. you were never able to order a V8 Lux limited... plus it has air, adaptive cruise/side asist... I mean seriously... MSRP was likely $70K. Someone.. please go buy this thing so that it least i know it's in the hands of someone that can appricate it for what it is. Whoever ends up with it is going to get a lot of car for the money!! (I wasn't going to post this up since my friend found it and has been thinking about it.. but that was 5 days ago and he hasn't pulled the trigger... so someone just jump on it!) This car has everything my V10 has except the locking diff and 4 Zone a/c. Both my V10 and my Q7 were AoA/VWoA cars that came off 1 year exec leases... this is the BEST way to pick on one of these fully optioned cars... the cars are in perfect condition and often have options that you couldn't even order. My Q7 is a custom color the guy from AoA ordered up... which we love... and it has the $6K B&O sound system.


2009 Used Volkswagen Touareg 2 V8 at Autohaus Lancaster, Inc., PA | Audi, Porsche, Volkswagen, IID 5873021
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#30 ·
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#35 ·
My V10 was from Quirk... I didn't pass when I saw it... Grabbed it and happy I did.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#32 ·
BTW - Regarding handling being the worst on the V10 - you can correct this quite a bit by taking off the soft sway bars and installing the Cayenne or other model Touareg bars (non-air suspension). I won't get in to the details since this has been posted on several threads before but wanted those that thought the handling needed improvement to consider this fairly inexpensive option <$500. The Cayenne TT bars are used most commonly for this upgrade but these are not the stiffest bars, if your looking for such the Cayenne non-air suspension GTS would likely be the stiffest. Bottom line, any front and rear bar from any of the mentioned would be stiffer and the handling is markedly improved.
 
H
#33 ·
V10 is consistently the most fun car I have ever owned to drive( and i have had a lot of them).....the only thing that could happen that would make me want to sell the car....happened.

now I need more room....the twins, wife, mother in law, nanny and me, just cant all fit.....time to go bigger....

next i will be moving to the burbs and buying a lawnmower.......what is life coming to?
 
H
#36 ·
i have just started looking at replacements....and have thought about everything from the good old macro-brew types to the Q. I am sure hte short list will be a denali, escalade, sequoia and QX56

I am not too worried details on handling and power, the replacement my family needs will not be quite as much fun to drive after this T-rex. may have to speed up the the mid-life crisis with a sports car or something fun....other than my mtn bikes.
 
#37 ·
hatleye said:
i have just started looking at replacements....and have thought about everything from the good old macro-brew types to the Q. I am sure hte short list will be a denali, escalade, sequoia and QX56

I am not too worried details on handling and power, the replacement my family needs will not be quite as much fun to drive after this T-rex. may have to speed up the the mid-life crisis with a sports car or something fun....other than my mtn bikes.
Click to expand...
The new 2011 Qx56 looks sweet. If you go with an older qx... Get at least a 2008 or newer. Oh... And a Q7 will give you the fun of a Touareg in a 7 seated :)
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
V
#40 ·
No regrets on the V10 if you can afford to buy one. Back when I was looking for a T-Reg, I had the chance to test drive the V10TDI, and as much as I fell in love with the thing, and much preferred it over the V8 I ended up buying, I knew that I would not be able to afford any possible out of pocket repairs like twin turbo replacement, etc. I was being honest with myself. I could easily have done the credit thing of course, and tacked the whole 9 yards of the purchase on credit along with extended warranty(which I don't believe in anyways) an all that included, and be driving one today, but my own gut instinct told me to stick with the V8, have some liquid cash on the side for emergency repairs, (which I have barely used yet!!!), and call it a day. I'll even go as far as to say that the money I saved on the V8 purchase, and the way it has treated me thus far(reliably), I've been able to afford to modify it, as one can see. With the V10TDI, I doubt that I would have been able to afford that flexibility(the mods).

What I'm saying is if feel you can afford the V10, not just to buy, but the possibility of break down you will not have any regrets! It's as simple as that!



 
Club Touareg Forum
posts
784K
members
105K
Since
2003
Club Touareg Forum is a forum community dedicated to Volkswagen Touareg owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about VW Touareg Sport Utility Vehicles and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Maintenance & Repair Australia & New Zealand Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Wheels and Tires Mobile Electronics and In Car Entertainment General Touareg Discussions