UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi guys,

I maybe purchasing a Polo Twist soon and I'm really not sure what engine to pick from the 1.2 or the 1.4 so I;m wondering whether you guys have had experience with both engines and if you could post your comments here please?

Many thanks

I didn't drive the 1.4 but I loved the 1.2!

PS. I currently drive a TVR Cerbera so it wasn't about the speed!

Ah cool,

Was it quite powerful and nippy?

I hear the 1.4 is a bit flat an not so nippy compared to the 1.2,

I think the 1.2 65bhp is the newer engine so i'd probably go for that myself. 10 bhp aint gonna make any real difference. i suspect the 1.2 may have more low down torque aswell which would explain it feeling quicker (though dont quote me on it!)

i read in a lot of mags that the 1.2 12v is more refined compared to the "lacking torque" of the 1.4.

cacatous wrote:PS. I currently drive a TVR Cerbera so it wasn't about the speed!

What a car!

the 1.2 12v is very quiet, i dunno about the 1.4

i read in a lot of mags that the 1.2 12v is more refined compared to the "lacking torque" of the 1.4.

Well, I have a 1.4, but also had 1.2 for a good few weeks, while my car was on one of its many long term stays at the dealer...

Anyway, the above comment about the 1.2 having more torque is definately right, but it's a much *less* refined eningedd - vibrations being the main difference.

Bottom line is:
1.4 - faster, but hard to drive "smootly" due to lack of torque, find yourself paying too much attention to the clutch, particularly when pulling out. The lack of torque is so severe that I worry about pulling right across oncoming traffic and wind up reving the nuts off it / riding the clutch just to get across quickly -- not good. The 1.4. is very refined, though. You can be sitting at traffic lights and wondering if it's still running (although mine has odd days when it's very lumpy). Plus no risk of the camshaft seals failing.

1.2 - faster from 0-35 due to the greater torque. More fun for pulling away from lights and a much better / more interesting noise. Just don't expect to keep the momentum up when the speed picks up as the lack of power quickly slows down the rate of acceleration. Much rougher in general use - gearstick vibrations were particularly noticable - also generally louder. A good town car - never took it on the motorway, don't imagine it'd be much fun. The 1.2 also requires less attention to drive due to having more torque meaning you don;t have to pay so much attention to the biting point.

Summary - for town driving, the 1.2's probably better, but anything above 40 (even country lanes) - you'd want the 1.4 if you want to stand a chance of keeping up with traffic or of having fun. If you're prepared to work the gearbox (I am!), the 1.4 can be a lot of fun (especially between 3k and 4k rpm) -- just get used to droppping down a gear to get there! Also, the brakes were better on the 1.4 -- discs all round.

Disclamier - I don't know if the 1.2 I was driving was the 55hp or the 65hp version - I can recall that there was no sound insulation on the bonnet underside, if that's any help.

Deek.

Well I found the 1.2 nice and quiet and yes the torque is good.

I didn't detect any vibrations throught the gear stick. I was driving an 03 65hp version.

I was doing 70mph on the motorway then up to 80mph and it seemed fine to me! Third gear is great for B roads!

No gearstick vibrations in MY03 65bhp either.

Personally, I'd choose the 1.2 anyday...the engine has more character. And my opinion isn't biased...I drive 1.2's, 1.4's etc all day at work.

Although the comment on 1.2's on the motorway is a fair point...it can get a little tiresome.

One other point...I used to have the 55bhp, but now with the 65bhp I notice there's an additional kind of sucking/induction noise as you apply throttle...more noticable if you nail it. Stick your window down and try it...it's quite nice.

Nice comments/input from you guys,

looks like I'll have to test drive both then

I just wonder whether the 1.2 or the 1.4 will have more pulling power when I have 4 people in it, can any of you guys comment?

does anyone know what the difference is between the 65bhp and the 55bhp engine is? is it possible to upgrade the 55bhp?

As far as I know just the ECU (software)?

i test drove a 1.2 12v (65PS) with 5 ppl (including me) and it pulled "fairly well". im currently waiting for my, 1.2 65 to get delivered and my mk 4 1.4 just now feels like the same power from the 1.2! how impressive is that!

A 65bhp model has 12v and the 55bhp model has 6v, therefore you cant upgrade it yourself!

my test drive car was a 04 plate with 3 miles on the clock! no vibrations from gearstick either.