TDI or TSI Caddy - A driver's perspective
TDI or TSI Caddy?
It's an age-old question for all VW Caddy buyers.
TDI engines are the preference for most buyers but that doesn't make them any better than TSI engines.
Both have pros and cons. For instance, TDI engines are reliable and fuel efficient over long distances, but their fuel economy tanks around town and they have DPF filters that can clog - TSI engines are less fuel efficient, and less reliable overall, but they don't have any DPF issues.
Join us below to find out more.
Performance and real-world acceleration
The TDI has superior fuel economy and torque, but the TSI is smoother with a lot less vibration.
The TSI loves to rev and delivers a decent shove of torque from around 2,500rpm, while the TDI likes to stick below 4,000rpm but delivers more torque from 2,000 rpm - the result is the TSI is easier to thrash, and faster overall, but the in-gear performance doesn't feel as strong as the TDI.
Simply put, the TDI is easier to drive fast because the torque kicks in sooner and hits harder over the mid-range.
Smoothness and vibration
Of course, speed and performance isn't everything - if you want a smooth, quiet drive, the TSI is far superior to the TDI.
The TSI engine runs with significantly less vibration than the TSI and it doesn't transmit anything harsh into the cabin under heavy acceleration.
The feel through the steering wheel and gear knob with a TSI is vibration free, while the TDI can feel rough, and especially so when the engine and running gear is cold.
Fuel economy
Diesel is more expensive than petrol but diesel engines like the TDI get fuel economy than petrol ones like the TSI.
There's some equilibrium over medium distances, but generally, it is cheaper to run a TDI Caddy per mile than it is a TSI one due to the extra miles in the tank.
However, this does not really apply if you travel short distances - even a TDI engine running around the city won't tick above 30mpg in most scenarios. The same goes for a TSI Caddy.
Pricing and saleability
TDI Caddies are more expensive than TSI ones and the pool of people wanting a TDI is larger than those wanting a TSI engine.
The reason TDI engines are generally preferred in the VDub community is they are reliable, proven to perform, and suit the characteristics of #vanlife perfectly. The TSI can feel a bit out of place, even though it's a pleasant engine.
Expect to pay a 10% premium for a TDI engine over a TSI one - but you'll get that money back when you sell.
The verdict
TSI engines are best if you want a smooth and quiet Caddy or travel short distances due to having no DPF filter to clog up.
TDI engines are best if you travel long distances and need maximum fuel economy (seeing over 50mpg isn't uncommon for a TDI Caddy).
