Difference between 6.1 California 150hp and 204hp diesel drivetrains

[SFO]

Are the 2 drivetrains the same with only different software mapping to increase power and torque?

or does the 204hp have different parts such as bigger turbos, exhaust configurations or gearbox/engine internals?

 

[WelshGas]

Are the 2 drivetrains the same with only different software mapping to increase power and torque?

or does the 204hp have different parts such as bigger turbos, exhaust configurations or gearbox/engine internals?

The 204 is a bi-turbo. It has 2 turbos , different manifold, EGR system etc:
Gearbox + wheel drivetrain are similar as far as I am aware

 

[soulstyledevon]

Ones fast and ones slow…

 

[pcevanrulo]

Ones fast and ones slow…

The 150hp is not that slow and it uses its fuel more wisely

 

[SFO]

shame 204hp engine not available on Coast

 

[flying banana]

The 150 204 argument runs on forever. I have had both. Now running the 204 . No way I would go back to adequate. The 204 is an awesome engine

 

[pluc99]

Ones fast and ones slow…

They're both slow and you will be hard put to feel a significant difference between the two until you tow a trailer.

 

[flying banana]

They're both slow and you will be hard put to feel a significant difference between the two until you tow a trailer.

Disagree

 

[WelshGas]

They're both slow and you will be hard put to feel a significant difference between the two until you tow a trailer.

You’re joking of course.

 

[pluc99]

You’re joking of course.

I tested them both side by side before buying. Same switchbacks up the same mountain, same starts on roundabouts, same highway stretch. There was a slightly higher top speed, I'll give you that, but acceleration was unremarkable in both.
The trailer bit comes from my dealer. I didn't test it myself.

 

[WelshGas]

I tested them both side by side before buying. Same switchbacks up the same mountain, same starts on roundabouts, same highway stretch. There was a slightly higher top speed, I'll give you that, but acceleration was unremarkable in both.
The trailer bit comes from my dealer. I didn't test it myself.

Obviously something wrong with the 204. Just saying.

 

[EddieEagle]

If you must have two turbots then at least put them on a decent engine.
150 / 204 / 745 - It’s still a van !!!

 

[pcevanrulo]

The 204 is an awesome engine

In terms of torque I absolutely agree, but also in cost of maintenance.. A lot of 204hp Bi-turbos have the same issues as the T5 / T6 180hp: Leaking EGRs, extreme oil-consumption, turbos worn at 80k miles, etc..

 

[WelshGas]

In terms of torque I absolutely agree, but also in cost of maintenance.. A lot of 204hp Bi-turbos have the same issues as the T5 / T6 180hp: Leaking EGRs, extreme oil-consumption, turbos worn at 80k miles, etc..

So you say, owning a 150. A little biased I would suggest. But if you have to convince yourself you made the correct decision, then go ahead.

 

[66tim99]

Dad had a 199, not worth the lower mpg or extra £3k, emissions and insurance. 199 without 4M is pointless. It’s a van. The 150 will cruise at 100mph and never feels sluggish. Spend the money on DCC and a ceramic and Dinitrol coat.

 

[andyinluton]

Dad had a 199, not worth the lower mpg or extra £3k, emissions and insurance. 199 without 4M is pointless. It’s a van. The 150 will cruise at 100mph and never feels sluggish. Spend the money on DCC and a ceramic and Dinitrol coat.

At a steady 85mph I’ve found the bigger engine to be more economical.
The biggest difference is the way it picks up speed between 40and 80mph the extra torque makes it far more relaxing, in comparison to our old van it either has the same performance whilst being in a gear ratio or two higher, or far more performance in the same gears.

 

[Bellcrew]

At a steady 85mph I’ve found the bigger engine to be more economical.
The biggest difference is the way it picks up speed between 40and 80mph the extra torque makes it far more relaxing, in comparison to our old van it either has the same performance whilst being in a gear ratio or two higher, or far more performance in the same gears.

Cruising at between 85 and 100 mph? This is another world from the 65 that is my normal cruising speed on motorways etc. Now I understand why people are so keen to modify their suspension, got to keep that van on the road somehow.

 

[WelshGas]

Often overtaken by lower hp vans/campers on downhill stretches of main roads and then we hit an uphill stretch and glide pass, to be repeated on the next downhill stretch.

 

[Pollewop]

Cruising at between 85 and 100 mph? This is another world from the 65 that is my normal cruising speed on motorways etc. Now I understand why people are so keen to modify their suspension, got to keep that van on the road somehow.

Yes, that’s why the Cali specialist at our VW car dealership told us one should only consider a 204 hp engine in combination with 4Motion. A 204 hp engine with 2M would be a waste of money… This is the reason why here in Switzerland virtually all 204 hp are 4x4s…
So if your not planning to drive “ambulance speeds” with your Cali, 150 hp is more than enough (IMHO)

 

[andyinluton]

Cruising at between 85 and 100 mph? This is another world from the 65 that is my normal cruising speed on motorways etc. Now I understand why people are so keen to modify their suspension, got to keep that van on the road somehow.

France is big and the speed limit is 83mph got to get through it to Spain somehow.
I’ve not found the need to change the suspension it’s absolutely fine for high speed cruising.

 

[andyinluton]

Yes, that’s why the Cali specialist at our VW car dealership told us one should only consider a 204 hp engine in combination with 4Motion. A 204 hp engine with 2M would be a waste of money

Four wheel drive makes no difference other than increased fuel consumption at high speed.
It’s of more use doing Grand Prix starts and on hairpin bends.

 

[pcevanrulo]

So you say, owning a 150. A little biased I would suggest. But if you have to convince yourself you made the correct decision, then go ahead.

Yes I own a 150hp, but I made a choice after a lot of research and testdriving. The original plan was to buy a second hand Cali. The 204 drive is supreme to the 150hp and still we bought a 150hp..

 

[WelshGas]

Yes I own a 150hp, but I made a choice after a lot of research and testdriving. The original plan was to buy a second hand Cali. The 204 drive is supreme to the 150hp and still we bought a 150hp..

The original OPs question was " Are their differences in the drive train between the 150 and 204 ? " NOT if the 150 is better, worse or adequate compared with the 204.
You made your choice others made theirs, End Of.

 

[Tarquers]

If you must have two turbots then at least put them on a decent engine.
150 / 204 / 745 - It’s still a van !!!

Think this is owned my a friend of mine, it’s now in west Africa and gets flown back to Germany each year for a service at BMP where they did the engine swap.

 

[CaliAzur]

Ones fast and ones slow…

I tested the 204 and went for the 150 4x4 instead. The 204 was tempting with all that torque, but I know the 150 engine to be a real workhouse, variations of which have been used on Golfs and Audis for years with high reliability. Fuel consumption mattered to me also. A friend of mine has the 204, and tells me once over 120kmh it guzzles diesel. I have not found that to be the case with my 150, despite the 4x4 drive train, and it does actually have some guts. I’d still choose the 150 over the 204 if I had to but again, bur for the 110… errrr no lol.