Quote:
Originally Posted by Route 66
IMHO, diesels in recent years available in cars, SUVs and pickups cost several thousand dollars over a gas engine, the mileage generally is not significantly higher than the gas engine and the high price of diesel fuel just doesn't make a diesel attractive to me.
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Route66,
In many cases I'm with you. But, in some, I'll differ a bit too. For instance, when I purchased my '03 VW TDI Diesel, the cost of the diesel option was actually lower than a comparably equipped gas unit. One thing here. Let's take the VW as an example. The power in those engines, is produced at a significantly lower engine RPM than at a similar sized gas engine. I ran that one, and my '04 TDI in the RPM range of about 1800-2200 for it's whole life. There was no need to take them any higher.
And, up until only about, 2 years ago, the MPG on them would surpass ANYTHING on the market that was comparably equipped. 99.99% of the time, I consistently got between 500-550 miles per tankful of fuel. And, that was using the car in "combo" driving. That is, city, county, hills and freeways. If I put it on strictly a freeway and held it at 60, it ran a consistent 49-50 mpg.
And, as stated earlier, I could approach any grade in this state, CA that is, and, those bugs didn't care. If I hit the bottom of the grade at 60, I'd crest it at 60, in 5th gear. It's been a while since we've driving a stick, small car so, I'm not sure if any of them today can boast of that. Climbing a steep grade and holding it at 60 in top gear without down shifting.
And, the VW would to it at 2200 RPMs. At this point Sir, about all I can say is for you to try one before condemning it. Yes, the gas engines are "slowly, slowly" getting better.
Now, as for the Diesel pickups, I'd have to wholeheartedly agree with you there. It's going to be a cold day in he.. before I pay $60,000 for a pickup.
Scott