The Dark Side of Audi Models with a Volkswagen Engine

By Prajwal

Have you ever wondered why some Audi models have a Volkswagen engine under the hood? If you are a car enthusiast, you might have noticed that some of the most popular Audi models share the same engine with their Volkswagen counterparts.

This is not a coincidence, but a result of a long-standing collaboration between the two German automakers. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about Audi models with a Volkswagen engine, including the pros and cons, the performance and reliability, and the examples of such models.

Whether you are looking for a new Audi or you already own one, this article will help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of using a Volkswagen engine in an Audi model.

Audi

10 Audi Models Powered by a Volkswagen Engine

Audi and Volkswagen have been sharing engines for decades, as they are both part of the Volkswagen Group. This means that some of the most popular Audi models use the same engine as their Volkswagen siblings, with some minor modifications and tuning.

Here are 10 examples of Audi models that are powered by a Volkswagen engine, along with some details and specifications.

Audi A3 (2006-2013) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The second-generation Audi A3 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA113, which was also used in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Jetta GLI.
  • The engine had a displacement of 1984 cc and produced 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine ran on gasoline and had a fuel consumption of 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine was praised for its performance and responsiveness, but some owners reported issues with oil consumption and camshaft failure.

Audi TT (2006-2014) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The second-generation Audi TT also used the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA113 as the Audi A3, but with a slightly higher output of 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine had a displacement of 1984 cc and ran on gasoline. It had a fuel consumption of 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine was praised for its performance and smoothness, but some owners reported issues with timing chain tensioner and water pump failure.

Audi Q5 (2009-2017) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The first-generation Audi Q5 used a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888, which was also used in the Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat.
  • The engine had a displacement of 1984 cc and produced 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine ran on gasoline and had a fuel consumption of 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine was praised for its performance and efficiency, but some owners reported issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi A4 (2009-2016) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The fourth-generation Audi A4 also used the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888 as the Audi Q5, but with a slightly lower output of 211 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine had a displacement of 1984 cc and ran on gasoline. It had a fuel consumption of 22 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine was praised for its performance and refinement, but some owners reported issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi A6 (2012-2018) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The fourth-generation Audi A6 also used the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888 as the Audi Q5 and A4, but with a slightly higher output of 220 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine had a displacement of 1984 cc and ran on gasoline. It had a fuel consumption of 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine was praised for its performance and smoothness, but some owners reported issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi A5 (2017-present) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The second-generation Audi A5 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888, which is also used in the Volkswagen Arteon and Atlas.
  • The engine has a displacement of 1984 cc and produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine runs on gasoline and has a fuel consumption of 24 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine is praised for its performance and responsiveness, but some owners report issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi Q3 (2015-present) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The first-generation Audi Q3 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888, which is also used in the Volkswagen Tiguan and Passat.
  • The engine has a displacement of 1984 cc and produces 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine runs on gasoline and has a fuel consumption of 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine is praised for its performance and efficiency, but some owners report issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi Q7 (2017-present) – 2.0 TFSI

  • The second-generation Audi Q7 uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the code EA888, which is also used in the Volkswagen Atlas and Arteon.
  • The engine has a displacement of 1984 cc and produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine runs on gasoline and has a fuel consumption of 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine is praised for its performance and smoothness, but some owners report issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi A8 (2019-present) – 3.0 TFSI

  • The fourth-generation Audi A8 uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine with the code EA839, which is also used in the Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne.
  • The engine has a displacement of 2995 cc and produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine runs on gasoline and has a fuel consumption of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine is praised for its performance and refinement, but some owners report issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Audi R8 (2017-present) – 5.2 FSI

  • The second-generation Audi R8 uses a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine with the code CEJA, which is also used in the Lamborghini Huracan and Gallardo.
  • The engine has a displacement of 5204 cc and produces 540 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque.
  • The engine runs on gasoline and has a fuel consumption of 14 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.
  • The engine is praised for its performance and sound, but some owners report issues with oil consumption and carbon buildup.

Why Does Audi Models with a Volkswagen Engine?

You might be wondering why Audi, a premium and luxury brand, uses Volkswagen engines, which are more common and affordable.

The answer lies in the history and structure of the Volkswagen Group, which owns both Audi and Volkswagen, as well as other brands such as Porsche, Lamborghini, and Skoda.

The Volkswagen Group was formed in 1969, when Volkswagen acquired a majority stake in Audi. Since then, the two brands have been working together to share resources, technology, and expertise.

One of the main benefits of this collaboration is the ability to use the same engines across different models and segments, which reduces costs, increases efficiency, and simplifies production.

However, using the same engines does not mean that Audi and Volkswagen models are identical. Audi modifies and tunes the Volkswagen engines to suit its own standards and expectations, which are usually higher and more demanding.

Audi also adds its own features and components, such as the Quattro all-wheel drive system, the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission, and the Audi Drive Select system, which enhance the performance, quality, and reputation of its models.

On the other hand, using Volkswagen engines also has some drawbacks for Audi. Some critics and customers may perceive Audi as a less exclusive and innovative brand, as it relies on Volkswagen engines instead of developing its own.

Some Audi owners may also face the same problems and issues that Volkswagen owners face, such as oil consumption, carbon buildup, and timing chain failure.

Therefore, using Volkswagen engines in Audi models is a trade-off between the advantages and disadvantages of engine sharing.

Audi tries to balance the benefits of cost reduction, efficiency, and simplicity with the drawbacks of image, quality, and reliability.

Ultimately, the decision to use Volkswagen engines in Audi models depends on the preferences and expectations of the buyers and owners.

Volkswagen TDI Engine

Are Volkswagen Engines in Audi Models Any Good?

If you are thinking of buying or owning an Audi model with a Volkswagen engine, you might be wondering how good they are in terms of quality and reliability.

The answer is not simple, as it depends on several factors, such as the engine type, the model year, the maintenance, and the driving style.

Generally speaking, Volkswagen engines are known for their durability and longevity, as they can last for hundreds of thousands of miles if properly cared for.

However, they are also prone to some common problems and issues, such as oil consumption, carbon buildup, timing chain failure, and water pump failure.

These problems can affect the performance, efficiency, and safety of the engine, and may require costly repairs or replacements.

Audi models with Volkswagen engines may face the same problems and issues, as they use the same or similar engine components. However, Audi models may also have some advantages over Volkswagen models, such as better tuning, higher quality standards, and more advanced features and systems.

These advantages may improve the performance, quality, and reputation of the Audi models, and may offset some of the drawbacks of using Volkswagen engines.

Therefore, Volkswagen engines in Audi models are good, but not perfect. They have their strengths and weaknesses, and they require regular and proper maintenance and service.

If you are looking for a high-performance, premium, and luxury car, you may still consider an Audi model with a Volkswagen engine, but you should also be aware of the potential problems and issues that may arise.

manufacturing Engine

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored everything you need to know about Audi models with a Volkswagen engine. We have learned that Audi and Volkswagen share engines because they are part of the same group, and that this has both advantages and disadvantages.

We have also seen 10 examples of Audi models that use a Volkswagen engine, and how they compare in terms of performance, quality, and reliability.

We hope that this article has helped you understand the benefits and drawbacks of using a Volkswagen engine in an Audi model, and that you have found some useful tips and advice.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. Thank you for reading!

FAQ

Who makes Audi engines?

Audi engines are made by Audi itself, as well as by other subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group, such as Porsche and Lamborghini. However, some Audi engines are also based on or shared with Volkswagen engines, which are made by Volkswagen itself or by other subsidiaries of the Volkswagen Group, such as Skoda and Seat.

Are Audi and Volkswagen engines the same?

No, Audi and Volkswagen engines are not exactly the same, even if they share the same code or displacement. Audi modifies and tunes the Volkswagen engines to suit its own standards and expectations, which are usually higher and more demanding. Audi also adds its own features and components, such as the Quattro all-wheel drive system, the S-Tronic dual-clutch transmission, and the Audi Drive Select system, which enhance the performance, quality, and reputation of its models.

Which cars use Volkswagen engines?

Many cars use Volkswagen engines, as Volkswagen is one of the largest and most diverse automakers in the world. Some of the most popular cars that use Volkswagen engines are:
Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan, Touareg, Atlas, and Arteon
Audi A3, A4, A5, A6, A8, Q3, Q5, Q7, TT, and R8
Porsche Cayenne, Macan, and Panamera
Lamborghini Huracan and Gallardo
Skoda Octavia, Superb, Kodiaq, and Karoq
Seat Leon, Ibiza, Ateca, and Tarraco

How can I tell if my Audi has a Volkswagen engine?

One way to tell if your Audi has a Volkswagen engine is to look at the engine code, which is usually a combination of letters and numbers that identifies the engine type, displacement, and generation. For example, the engine code EA888 is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is used in many Audi and Volkswagen models. You can find the engine code on the engine block, on the vehicle identification number (VIN), or on the owner’s manual.

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