Thread: TDI or TD5

I have owned both, currently a 1996 130 Tdi and previously a 1999 Td5 110 and i personally prefer the Tdi, my td5 i found very hard to drive on any uneven surface due to some of the earlier models apparently having a different throttle system to the later ones causeing alot of jerking and whiplash, and being an apprentice diesel mechanic i perfer the Tdi to work on, also the earlier Td5 models had a few teething problems as did the earlier 300tdi's but if its a 96 or 97 they should have all be rectified, just my 2 cents worth

I would go the Tdi. i looked at both as well and about the same milage to. i went for the Tdi. less elecrticals and just alot easier to fix on the track if something goes wrong. i managed to get a 98 110Tdi and i love it. just need to weigh up what need doing and if they have a service history would make a big difference.

It's horses for courses, basically. As said, the Tdi is easier to work on due to its simplicity, whereas the Td5 has more electronical gadgets and such. The Td5 can be trimmed to provide more power with relative ease. Both engines have a few issues, but, as stated, most of these should have appeared and been rectified by now. Well documented service history is always an asset.
I have both, a Tdi (which I do favour) and a Td5 (which I initially was very sceptical of but have been converted), different characteristics, both reliable.
My 2c...

Cheers

I basically agree with the above comments. I've had both Tdis and Td5s. I prefer driving Tdis in the bush and Td5s on the highway. I've had fewer hassles with Tdis and they're easier to work on. Overall I prefer Tdis and that's what I'm stcking with for the time being.

tdi's run well on bio fuels where td5's dont

My old man's td5 is a great motor, all the punch you need for a defender in stock form. goes a bit harder than my brother's 300tdi hardtop on the road and sand, but you have to forsake simplicity for the power gains. both are good on fuel and can tow.
tdi isn't slow, either. give it some time to warm up on a long trip and it starts to pull quite well. The td5 stalls a bit easier, i have found as well.

extra power or simplicity is what it boils down to in my eyes

I've got one of each. I like them both equally. Which ever you get you'll be happy with.

TD5 is better in sand, as is has a bit more grunt, but I can live with the TDi too (that has diff locks, so don't need quite so much power).

TDi is easier to work on and not so fussy about things like oil. TDi has more oil leaks