Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI (gen 3)
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 diesel description
Hatchback Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI has been produced from September, 1993 to November, 1997. It has four-cylinder diesel engine with displacement of 1.9 litres, which produces power of 90 horsepower on 4000 rpm and torque 202 Nm (Newton metres) on 1900 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 8-valve engine camshaft is driven by belt (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system and turbine. The engine meets the Euro 2 emissions standard. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 400 up to 670 thousand kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs
This engine stands out for its durability and generally remains trouble-free until it has been used extensively over many years. Despite its ...
This Volkswagen Golf 1.9 engine oil type is 5W-40 and oil capacity is 4.3 litres.
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI has front wheel drive (FWD) and manual gearbox with 5 gears.
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 12.8 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 178 km/h.
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI fuel consumption is 5 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (20 km/l) - this is the most fuel efficient Volkswagen Golf 1991 - 1997 version, city fuel economy - 6.4 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 4.2 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 55 litres or 14.53 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 1100 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1300 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this Volkswagen (VW) real everyday fuel consumption is 5.3 litres per 100 km, which is 6% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real Volkswagen Golf fuel consumption.

Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI technical data
Model: | Volkswagen Golf 1.9 TDI | ||
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Body style: | Hatchback | ||
Production period: | 1993. September ... 1997. November | ||
Engine: | 1896 cm3 Diesel, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 137 g/km |
Power: | 90 HP ON 4000 RPM | Torque: | 202 NM ON 1900 RPM |
Gearbox: | Manual gearbox (5 gears) | Drive type: | Front wheel drive (FWD) |
Top speed: | 178 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 12.8 seconds |
Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.0 (combined) 6.4 (urban) 4.2 (highway) | ||
Real fuel consumption: | 5.3 l/100km (44.4 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
Fuel tank capacity: | 55 litres (14.5 gallons) | ||
Car dimensions: | 4.02m (length) 1.70m (width) 1.42m (height) | ||
Turning diameter: | 10.7 meters | ||
Seats: | 5 seats | ||
Trunk capacity: | 330 litres | ||
Trunk max capacity: | 687 litres (with rear seats folded down) | ||
Gross weight: | 1630 kg |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI engine 1Z
Engine reliability and common problems:
This engine stands out for its durability and generally remains trouble-free until it has been used extensively over many years. Despite its robust construction, the wear and tear from prolonged use, particularly in aging and low-cost vehicles, has started to reveal weaknesses. One of the most serious issues is the failure of the timing belt, which requires replacement every 60,000 km to prevent catastrophic engine damage. Common faults also include burnt valve seats, which result in a loss of compression, and oil leaks that are frequently traced to a broken lower flange in the crankcase ventilation system. Engine performance problems are often linked to malfunctions in the turbo management system, airflow meter, or EGR valve. Another critical concern arises when fragments of the serpentine belt, often caused by a damaged roller, interfere with the timing mechanism, leading to severe engine failure. The mechanical injectors feature a control injector equipped with a timing sensor, and if this sensor fails, the engine shifts into a limp mode, drastically reducing power output beyond 2000 rpm, with diagnostics identifying a loss of communication with the needle lift sensor.Overall, this engine can last around 400,000 to 670,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
Engine displacement | 1896 cm3 |
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Number of cylinders | 4 |
Bore (cylinder diameter) | 79.5 mm |
Stroke length (piston move) | 95.5 mm |
Compression ratio | 19.5 : 1 |
Camshaft drive | Timing belt Timing belt engines are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain engines, but belt usually needs to be replaced more often and the risk of breakage is higher. More service info |
Timing belt change interval | 60,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
Fuel system | Injection |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TDI oil type | 5W-40 |
Oil capacity | 4.3 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info |
Coolant capacity | 6.5 litres (6.9 quarts) |
Power | 90 HP ON 4000 RPM |
Torque | 202 NM ON 1900 RPM |
Start of production (year) | 1991 |
Duration of production | 6 years |
Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 1994 onwards. |
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Engine also used on | Audi A6 Audi 80 Volkswagen Vento Seat Alhambra and 2 other models |
All Volkswagen Golf hatchback [1991 - 1997] modifications
Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox | Drive type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.4 Oct 1991 — Aug 1995 | 1.4 Petrol | 60 HP | 7.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1995 1.4
Aug 1995 — Nov 1997 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
1.4 Petrol | 60 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.6 Oct 1991 — Aug 1995 | 1.6 Petrol | 75 HP | 6.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1995 1.6 Aug 1995 — Nov 1997 | 1.6 Petrol | 75 HP | 7.2 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1997 1.6 Jan 1997 — Nov 1997 | 1.6 Petrol | 100 HP | 7.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.8 | 1.8 Petrol | 75 HP | 9.5 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.8 | 1.8 Petrol | 90 HP | 8.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.8 | 1.8 Petrol | 90 HP | 9.2 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1995 1.8 Syncro 4x4 Aug 1995 — Jan 1997 | 1.8 Petrol | 90 HP | 8.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 Diesel
Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
1.9 Diesel | 64 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1995 1.9 SDI
Jun 1995 — Nov 1997 Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
1.9 Diesel | 64 HP | 5.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 1.9 TD | 1.9 Diesel | 75 HP | 6.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1993 1.9 TDI
Sep 1993 — Nov 1997 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
1.9 Diesel | 90 HP | 5.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1996 1.9 TDI Mar 1996 — Nov 1997 | 1.9 Diesel | 90 HP | 6.8 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1996 1.9 TDI
Aug 1996 — Nov 1997 Most powerfull diesel version (110 HP) |
1.9 Diesel | 110 HP | 5.0 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1996 1.9 TDI
Aug 1996 — Nov 1997 Most powerfull diesel version (110 HP) |
1.9 Diesel | 110 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 2.0 | 2.0 Petrol | 115 HP | 8.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1996 2.0 Mar 1996 — Nov 1997 | 2.0 Petrol | 115 HP | 8.7 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1992 2.0 GTI 16V Jan 1992 — Jan 1997 | 2.0 Petrol | 150 HP | 8.5 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1991 2.8 VR6 | 2.8 Petrol | 174 HP | 10.5 l/100km | Manual (5) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1993 2.8 VR6 Jan 1993 — Nov 1997 | 2.8 Petrol | 174 HP | 11.6 l/100km | Automatic (4) | Front wheel |
Volkswagen Golf 1995 2.9 VR6 Syncro 4x4
Aug 1995 — Jan 1997 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 7.5 seconds |
2.9 Petrol | 190 HP | 11.1 l/100km | Manual (5) | All wheel |