What are the differences between the Passat 300TSI and 330TSI?

[XavierRose]

The differences between the Passat 300TSI and 330TSI are mainly reflected in the engine and power. 1. Engine: The Passat 300TSI is equipped with the second-generation EA888 engine and is the government procurement version. The 330TSI features the third-generation EA888 engine, available in the Honor, Premium, and Flagship versions. 2. Power: The 300TSI is powered by a 1.8T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged low-power version, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, delivering a maximum power of 118KW, maximum horsepower of 160PS, and maximum torque of 250N·m. The maximum power speed ranges from 51006000rpm, and the maximum torque speed ranges from 17005000rpm. The Passat 330TSI is equipped with a 1.8T inline 4-cylinder turbocharged high-power version, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, delivering a maximum power of 132KW, maximum horsepower of 180PS, and maximum torque of 300N·m. The maximum power speed ranges from 43006250rpm, and the maximum torque speed ranges from 14504100rpm.

[VanLeonardo]

As a Volkswagen owner who has driven the Passat for several years, I'm quite familiar with these two models. The 300TSI is equipped with a 1.5T engine with a maximum power output of 118 kW, which is absolutely sufficient for daily commuting and offers lower fuel consumption, averaging around 7-8 liters in the city. The 330TSI, on the other hand, features a 2.0T low-power version with 137 kW and a torque of 320 Nm, providing noticeably quicker acceleration and particularly stable performance when overtaking on highways. Although both models use a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 330's tuning is more aggressive, with faster gear shifts, making it more fun to drive. If you frequently take long trips or have higher power demands, the 330 is the better choice; if you mainly use it for city commuting, the 300 is more fuel-efficient and economical. The 330 is about 10,000 to 20,000 RMB more expensive, but the difference in driving experience is significant.

[LePresley]

I usually enjoy studying car specifications. The main differences between the Passat 300TSI and 330TSI lie in their engines. The 300TSI is equipped with a 1.5T four-cylinder engine from the EA211 series, paired with a 7-speed dry dual-clutch transmission. It achieves a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just over 9 seconds, offering modest push-back sensation but excellent fuel economy. The 330TSI, on the other hand, features a 2.0T engine from the EA888 series, matched with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission. It delivers higher torque and more aggressive acceleration, capable of reaching 100 km/h in just over 7 seconds. The engine technologies also differ; the 330TSI comes with a dual injection system for higher combustion efficiency, though it incurs slightly higher maintenance costs. In real-world driving, the 330TSI feels noticeably more composed when fully loaded or climbing hills, with less vibration at idle. In terms of transmission reliability, the wet dual-clutch offers greater peace of mind for long-term use.

[VivianFitz]

From an economic and practical perspective, the differences between the 300TSI and 330TSI are quite significant. The 300TSI has a clear advantage in fuel consumption, averaging around 6 liters per 100 km in combined conditions, and it runs on 92-octane gasoline. Maintenance costs are about 600 yuan per service. On the other hand, the 330TSI consumes 1-2 liters more fuel per 100 km, requires 95-octane gasoline, and maintenance costs are 100-200 yuan higher. The initial price difference between the 330 and 300 models is around 20,000 yuan. Over five years of ownership, the additional fuel and maintenance costs for the 330 could add up to nearly 10,000 yuan. In terms of performance, the 300TSI is perfectly adequate for city driving, though acceleration may feel sluggish when the air conditioning is on during summer. The 330TSI doesn’t have this issue, making highway overtaking effortless with just a tap of the accelerator. If you’re on a tight budget or drive infrequently, the 300 is the more cost-effective choice. However, if you frequently drive on highways or live in mountainous areas, spending extra on the 330 is worth it.