2.0 tdi versus a bigger lump of iron?

[QED87]

The sad demise of our A4 2.5 tdi Quattro Avant has forced me to start looking for a new general purpose tow car.

I can't seem to find what I think I need for love nor money - Manual A4 3.0tdi Quattro Avant so I'm now considering an 2.0 170 version as they seem to be more plentiful... The old 2.5 tdi engine had 150bhp and 310nM, the new 2.0 tdi engine has 167bhp and 350Nm the question is can a mere 2.0 tow safely, i.e. pull 1000kg on a dual axle braked trailer and have enough in reserve to overtake in a headwind!

The stats say yes but I'm a 2.0 snob... anyone got experience of these engines/car?

[J4CKO]

They seem to make anything they are in reasonably acceptable, they will haul an A5 Cabrio round at an acceptable pace and they are similar in weight, possibly heavier.

[peterg1955]

I used a Mk5 VW Golf with 2.0TDi 140bhp version (and DSG gearbox) to tow a single seater racecar/trailer with high level tyre rack weighing around 900kgs and it barely noticed it was there... all the way from Gloucester to Anglesey at making progress speeds and returned 37mpg

[Monty Python]

What budget?

[QED87]

Budget
£8k if I don't sell the M3 (preferred )
£14k if I do!

Alternative suggestions to Audi/VW/Germanic metal welcome!

[sjabrown]

I've got a 2.0 tdi 140 Passat. It pulls my Peugeot rally car on a twin axle trailer withtout difficulty (rally car weighs 880kg). Empty trailer 100miles of A road did 48mpg, loaded trailer for the return journey indicated 40mpg.

[QED87]

sjabrown said:

I've got a 2.0 tdi 140 Passat. It pulls my Peugeot rally car on a twin axle trailer withtout difficulty (rally car weighs 880kg). Empty trailer 100miles of A road did 48mpg, loaded trailer for the return journey indicated 40mpg.

Thank's, that is pretty close to what I'll need it for...we have a camper for the most part but to move cars around or take additional cars to race meetings is what we're looking at the Audi for - it's what the 2.5 did soooo well. I think the max it will need to tow is 1500kg (car only) which would be transporting the M3 when it's SORN. Not sure whether it's up to that.

[Chris Hinds]

Personally I'd avoid the 2.0TDI 170 engine. It has a huge turbo on it and the lag is pretty bad, it's much easier to stall a 170 than a 140 because basically nothing happens below 2000rpm, which I would have thought less than ideal for towing. I was driving A4 2.0TDIs a lot in the 2004-2006 region while working at a dealership and much preferred the 140 because although it wasn't as quick overall it was much more driveable. Certainly if you do go for one I'd make sure you are happy with the power delivery before buying.