VW Engine Size Chart(For All Sizes)

Over the years, VW has used a wide range of engines, from the early air-cooled flat-fours to modern TSI and TDI turbocharged units. This guide includes a VW engine size chart, explanations of engine codes, and what each size means for performance.

VW Engine Size Chart

Engine Size	CC	Engine Type	Fuel	Used In Models	Typical HP Range
0.8L	800cc	2-cyl	Gas	VW Up!	55–75 HP
1.0L	999cc	3-cyl TSI	Gas	Polo, Up!, T-Cross	65–115 HP
1.1L	1100cc	Flat-4 (classic)	Gas	Beetle (early)	25–36 HP
1.2L	1192cc	Flat-4 or TSI	Gas	Beetle, Polo, Golf	30–110 HP
1.3L	1285cc	Flat-4	Gas	Classic Beetle	40–44 HP
1.4L	1395cc	4-cyl TSI	Gas	Golf, Jetta, Beetle	120–160 HP
1.5L	1498cc	4-cyl TSI Evo	Gas	Golf, Passat, Tiguan	130–160 HP
1.5L Diesel	1493cc	TDI	Diesel	European VW models	75–110 HP
1.6L	1598cc	MPI/TDI	Gas/Diesel	Polo, Jetta, Passat	90–120 HP
1.7L	1679cc	TDI	Diesel	Early European diesels	55–75 HP
1.8L	1781cc	4-cyl TSI/TFSI	Gas	Passat, Golf, Audi A4	160–180 HP
1.9L Diesel	1896cc	TDI	Diesel	Golf, Jetta, Passat	90–150 HP
2.0L	1984cc	TSI/TDI	Gas/Diesel	Golf GTI/R, Passat, Tiguan	150–315 HP
2.1L	2109cc	Waterboxer	Gas	VW Vanagon	95–112 HP
2.4L Diesel	2384cc	Inline-5	Diesel	Eurovan, Transporter	75–110 HP
2.5L	2480cc	Inline-5	Gas	Jetta, Golf, Transporter	150–201 HP
2.5L TDI	2461cc	TDI	Diesel	Transporter T5	130–180 HP
2.7L	2671cc	V6 TDI	Diesel	Touareg	180–240 HP
2.8L	2792cc	VR6	Gas	Golf, Passat	190–204 HP
3.0L V6	2967cc	TDI / TFSI	Diesel/Gas	Touareg, Atlas	225–335 HP
3.2L	3189cc	VR6	Gas	Golf R32, TT	240–250 HP
3.6L	3597cc	VR6	Gas	Atlas, CC, Passat	260–280 HP
4.0L V8	3995cc	Turbo V8	Gas	Touareg (Audi engine)	400–460 HP
4.2L V8	4163cc	V8	Gas	Early Touareg	350–360 HP
4.9L	4921cc	V10 TDI	Diesel	Touareg	308–350 HP
6.0L	5998cc	W12	Gas	Phaeton, Touareg	420–450 HP
6.3L	6299cc	W12	Gas	Phaeton (later models)	450–500 HP

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Most Popular VW Engine Sizes Explained

1.0L and 1.2L Engines

These small, efficient engines are common in compact cars like the VW Polo and Up!. Ideal for city driving and fuel economy.

1.4L TSI

One of VW’s most successful engines, known for reliability and strong performance. A turbocharged unit with an excellent balance of power and fuel savings.

1.5L TSI Evo

The modern replacement for the 1.4L. Features cylinder deactivation and improved economy.

1.6L TDI

Very popular in Europe. Known for high mileage capability and durability.

2.0L Engines (TSI & TDI)

The most versatile and widely used VW engine size. Found in the Golf GTI, Tiguan, Passat, Jetta, and Audi models. Offers strong performance and efficiency.

VR6 Engines (2.8L, 3.2L, 3.6L)

VW’s unique narrow-angle V6 engines. Known for:

• Smooth performance
• Unique sound
• Higher horsepower

Used in performance models and SUVs.

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Understanding VW Engine Codes

VW engines are often identified by specific engine codes such as:

• EA111 – older small engines
• EA211 – modern small TSI engines
• EA888 – highly popular 1.8T and 2.0T engines
• VR6 family – performance engines
• TDI – turbo diesel engines

Example:

The EA888 2.0 TSI is one of the most reliable modern VW engines, used in the Golf GTI and Audi A4.

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How to Decode VW Engine Size

Look for:

1. Displacement (in liters or cc) – e.g., 2.0L = 2000cc
2. Technology – TSI (turbo gasoline), TDI (turbo diesel)
3. Number of cylinders – 3, 4, 5, 6, or 8
4. Power output – varies by tuning and model year

Choosing the Right VW Engine Size

Here’s a quick guide:

• Best for Fuel Economy: 1.0L, 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.6L TDI
• Best for Daily Driving: 1.4L TSI, 1.5L TSI, 2.0L TDI
• Best for Power: 2.0L TSI, 3.2L VR6, 4.0L/4.2L V8
• Best for Towing: 2.0 TDI, V6, and V8 engines

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Is Bigger Better?

Not always. Large engines offer more power but can be:

• Less fuel-efficient
• More expensive to maintain
• Heavier

Small turbocharged VW engines often outperform older big engines due to modern engineering.

VW Engine Reliability by Size

Most Reliable

• 1.4L TSI (later versions)
• 1.6L TDI
• 2.0L TDI
• 3.6L VR6

Good but Maintenance Sensitive

• 1.2L TSI (early timing chain issues)
• 1.8T TSI (oil consumption in early EA888 versions)

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FAQs

How to tell what size a VW motor is?

You can tell the size of a VW motor by checking the engine code, owner’s manual, or vehicle information sticker typically found near the timing cover, trunk, or inside the driver’s door frame. Modern VWs list the displacement in liters (like 1.4L, 2.0L, etc.).

For classic air-cooled VW engines, the engine number stamped on the case near the generator stand or pulley area reveals the exact displacement.

How many cc is a VW engine?

VW engines range widely depending on the model and year. Classic VW air-cooled engines start at 1100cc, 1200cc, 1300cc, 1500cc, and 1600cc. Modern VW engines range from 800cc (0.8L) all the way up to 6300cc (6.3L W12). The most common modern VW engines are between 999cc and 1984cc.

What engines are in VW?

Volkswagen uses several engine families, including:

• TSI/TFSI turbo gasoline engines (1.0L, 1.2L, 1.4L, 1.5L, 1.8L, 2.0L)
• TDI turbo-diesel engines (1.6L, 1.9L, 2.0L, 2.5L, 3.0L)
• VR6 engines (2.8L, 3.2L, 3.6L)
• Hybrid and plug-in hybrid engines (1.4 TSI + electric motor)
• Classic air-cooled flat-four engines (1100cc–1600cc)
• Large performance engines like the V10 TDI, V8, and W12 are found in premium VW models.

How many cc is a 40 hp VW engine?

The classic 40 horsepower VW Beetle engine is a 1300cc (1.3L) air-cooled flat-four engine. Some transitional models produced around 1965–1970 also made 40 HP from the early 1200cc engines, but the commonly known 40 HP unit is the 1285cc version.

How to identify car engine size?

You can identify car engine size by:

1. Checking the owner’s manual – lists displacement in liters or cc.
2. Reading the engine cover decal – modern cars often display 1.4 TSI, 2.0 TDI, etc.
3. Checking the VIN number – the engine size is encoded in the VIN; decoding tools reveal the exact displacement.
4. Engine block stamping – most engines have a code or number directly stamped on the engine block.
5. Vehicle information stickers – found under the hood, on the radiator support, door jamb, or trunk.