Greetings, aficionados:
Lucky enough to have a brace of 2005 Passat wagons (estates for those in the UK/Aussie..), one a 1.8T 4-motion gas and the other (preferred) a 2.0 TDI with waaaaaay more grunt.
Here in Nova Scotia, seasonal temps are dipping to -10 degrees C and colder.... and the TDI takes a LOT longer to warm up than the 1.8T. Like at least twice the distance driven (I've swapped cars out for the same commute to work...) for the TDI to start giving faintly warm air out of the vents. Doesn't *act* like a stuck T-stat (with sudden surge of temp/hot air), , and still does get the water temp to 90 degrees C, just noticeably slower than the other car.
I can't see why there should be a (significant) difference between the two, simply based upon the different engines (lower specific heat of diesel??)....... and would appreciate any experience/opinions...
Cheers,
Kevin Halifax, NS