3L33ter

IMHO, there is no point in changing from a b4 to a b5 unless the b5 has some feature that was not available on the b4. I like the interior and exterior of the b4 more, so the only way I'd go with a b5 is if it were a wagon with a turbo. And since I know the 2.7tt is a pain to work on, I'd go 1.8t all the way! Those engines are robust and simple, and capable of lots of power.

4Driver4

I disagree. The 30v is bullet proof. We have owned a few, and our two current daily drivers have 180k and 290k on them. We have never changed a cam chain adjuster. I do timing belts at ever 75k. As part of the service I change the cam seals, cam adjuster seals and cam plugs. I've never been further into either car than the valve cover.

Having owned several B4's and B5's, I'd say spend the money on a 30v with a 5 speed for the best driving car with the best reliability. Find a car wit the sport package if you can.

Mcstiff

You can always put an I5T into the B4.

The B5 has a better front suspension than a B4.

CRAZY_RUSSIAN

i used to work for VW dealers, so i have sean my share of failures with 2.8 30v and 1.8t motors. but opinions are like... well, we all know how they work.

cuatrokoop

I agree...We have a C5-30v as my does my mom. We have 86k on ours, she has 140k on hers. Most common problem is the coolant temp sensor, valve cover seals, cam seals, couple hydraulic lines at the crimp fittings leak.