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0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC vs 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC carries less risk than the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT: 18/100 (low risk) versus 25/100 (moderate risk). The 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC has no documented serious faults; the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance».

Risk index

0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

18

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

25

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

18 sourcesHow we work

Is the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC reliable?

The GM Daewoo S-TEC engines (0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 naturally aspirated, low power) power the Matiz, Spark, Aveo 1.2, Beat and Sail. The sources consulted document only minor and cheap faults, such as oil leaks and ignition faults on the Matiz, and we have found no structural engine fault.[1][2][3]

See the 2 of the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC faults

Is the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT reliable?

In the sources we consulted, the 2.0-litre F4R and F4RT show no engine-destroying design faults, but the timing belt must be changed on time, and the coils (RS) and the variable valve timing pulley appear as weak points. We have found no reliable sources on oil consumption or big-end bearings.[4][5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC and 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC2.0 16v F4R and F4RT
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,998 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Timing belt (dry)
Power52–84 hp135–250 hp
Production2002–2022[8][9][10][11][12]since 2000[13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)18Low risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults23
Of high or critical severity01
Worst severityMedium severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Ignition system faults (high-tension leads and modules)
  2. Low severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover and sump
  1. Critical severity: Timing belt failure due to overdue maintenance
  2. Medium severity: Faulty camshaft variable valve timing pulley
  3. Medium severity: F4RT ignition coil failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.2 S-TEC and S-TEC II 72-84 hp (Aveo T200/T250, 2005-2011)[14][15]
  • 1.0 and 1.2 S-TEC II DOHC 16v (Spark M300, Beat and Sail, 2010-2022)[2][3]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 0.8 and 1.0 S-TEC SOHC (Matiz/Spark M200, 2005-2009)[1][12]
  • 1.4 S-TEC DOHC 16v 102 hp (LCU, Sail, 2010-2015)[16][17][18]
  • 2.0 16v naturally aspirated 135-197 hp (F4R)[4][5]
  • 2.0 turbo 165-250 hp (F4RT)[6][7]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

Other comparisons

With the 0.8 / 1.0 / 1.2 S-TEC

With the 2.0 16v F4R and F4RT

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Czy warto kupić: używany Daewoo / FSO Matiz (od 1998 do 2008)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 22 August 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  2. Chevrolet Spark hatchback reviewAuto Express · Motoring press · published October 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026
  3. Fiabilité Chevrolet Spark (2009-2015): pannes, rappels et témoignagesFiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. Pannes Renault Mégane 2 (testimonios por motorización)fiches-auto.fr · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité occasion Renault Mégane II (2002-2009)CarVerif · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renaultsport Megane checkpointsevo · Motoring press · published 20 November 2008 · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. RenaultSport Megane 225 buying guide, history and reviewOctane · Motoring press · published 7 February 2025 · consulted 5 October 2026
  8. Daewoo S-TEC engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Chevrolet SparkWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Chevrolet Aveo (T200)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Chevrolet AveoWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  12. Chevrolet MatizWikipedia (de) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  13. Moteur F Renault (F4R y F4RT)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in French
  14. Czy warto kupić: używany Chevrolet Aveo (od 2002 do 2011)AutoCentrum.pl · Motoring press · published 5 March 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  15. Używany Chevrolet Aveo T200/T250 - typowe awarie i problemyWP Autokult · Motoring press · published 28 January 2012 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
  16. Chevrolet SailWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  17. Chevrolet Sail: conócelo en detalleAutocosmos Chile · Motoring press · published 3 November 2010 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  18. Lanzamiento Chevrolet SailAutoblog Uruguay · Motoring press · published May 2013 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish