Thread: B6 vs B7 A4?

OK, posting it here as opposed to the model specific sections to get a more open view really.

Is the B7 just cosmetically different to the B6, underneath is different apart from different engine range?

I'm considering a B6 Avant TDI of some sort, I can stretch to a B7, but due to injector problems, I'm looking to avoiding the 2.0TDI unit, so maybe a B6 1.9 is more suitable to my needs? I don't mind V6 TDI power neither.

It's going to be a long term purchase, as I tend to keep my cars for a few years minimum before changing/upgrading.

Any thoughts or opinions to help make up my mind? or I might just stick with my trusty B5 Passat Estate, it's done me proud in 10 years and now on 185k miles, but I'm running into suspension issues and the odd I/c hose failing, one of which went yesterday.

b6 and b7 are the same apart from the bodywork
cant comment on diesel as i hate them and not had to many

Originally Posted by bez101

b6 and b7 are the same apart from the bodywork

...and (as above) engines, electrical systems (more CANbus implementation on a B7), AFAIK suspension/steering basics (uprights etc.) got a bit of a tickle too. They're quite closely related, but 'the same' is pushing it, I'd say.

cant comment on diesel as i hate them and not had to many

...Anyway Joe, I've been wrestling a similar conundrum lately. I think the best value set-up is probably the B6 1.9 - They're around at fair money, and the engines are fairly bombproof by all accounts. My only concern is that with Quattro their output (even remapped) might not be quite as much as I'd like. I really fancy the idea of the 2.5, but I can't make the figures work. For the economy they deliver (according to things I've read) I almost might as well keep my 1.8TQS - there's also the dreaded VP44 fuel pump issue, and some variants seem to have chocolate cams. As you say, there are injectors to consider on the 2.0 in the B7.

I guess it comes down to cars being cars, and having to find the compromise that suits your requirements best. When it's time for me, the compromise will be down to final budget. If I'm being reserved it'll be a B6 1.9 TDI Quattro, it'll get a remap and the compromise will be poke. If I can spend a bit more without feeling guilty, it'll be a B7 2.0 TDI Quattro, and the compromise will be having to be ready to sort the injectors. If it's not clear-cut, I can say I'd most likely hedge and get the B6.

I suppose there's probably a bigger purchase-cost advantage with the B6 if you're looking at FWD. Tidy B6 Quattros (particularly the rarer 1.9 Quattro) are much closer to B7 money from what I've seen.

Good luck finding the right one anyway bud!

Rob.

The 170 injectors are being replaced foc, and so far I've not heard of any 140 injector faults. I would say the only thing to watch out for is a BLB engine which is still on chain driven oil pump. There is a 1.9 TDi on the B7, but not sure it's as tuneable as the B6 1.9 unit, without going down the expense of bigger turbo & injectors. Prefer the single grill on the B7, and the multi function steering wheel option, with hacking around with airbags.

On the passat side why not spend a few quid sorting I out, a full melye front arm kit is under 400 and then get some new rear bushes. If the engine/gearbox/body work is just about shot then bin it, other wise you could save yourself a few quid.

Originally Posted by B5NUT

The 170 injectors are being replaced foc, and so far I've not heard of any 140 injector faults. I would say the only thing to watch out for is a BLB engine which is still on chain driven oil pump. There is a 1.9 TDi on the B7, but not sure it's as tuneable as the B6 1.9 unit, without going down the expense of bigger turbo & injectors. Prefer the single grill on the B7, and the multi function steering wheel option, with hacking around with airbags.

I've done the research, and I'm just not convinced about the 2.0 unit, read a few horror stories, although they are probably rare occurance in real life. The 1.9 is a PD unit with 115bhp, similar output to my B5 Passat, so a simple remap would be adequate for my power needs. I have my S3 for BHP thrills!

On the passat side why not spend a few quid sorting I out, a full melye front arm kit is under 400 and then get some new rear bushes. If the engine/gearbox/body work is just about shot then bin it, other wise you could save yourself a few quid.

My B5 is in good nick, I've got a set of new chocolate front wishbones for £100 off ebay, not got round to fitting them yet!, 312s up front last year and new rears a few months ago too, but a boost leak yesterday had the other half nagging at me for a replacement... plus I have been looking on and off for the last few months anyways.