Jim wrote:

> I've been looking at A2s for one of my kids and have found the 8V engines
> seem to be more prevalent. What's the story with the 16V engines? Are they
> worth the extra effort to maintain for the increase in output? Any
> suggestions or advice?
>
> Jim
>
>

IMHO no. The 16V is a nice engine but it's an interference engine so if
the TB breaks you are scrod. Also all the power is up high, torque is
little if any better than the 8V. An 8V makes a great daily driver and
you really won't miss the power unless you auto-x. I've owned and
enjoyed both - if I had the choice, for myself I'd buy a 16V, for my
(hypothetical) kid I would buy an 8V

I'm not sure what extra effort to maintain you refer to, however, they
are both fairly reliable in my experience, the only special instruction
with the 16V is to change that timing belt religiously.

nate

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