quattro digest, Vol 1 #1007 -diesel

[Edward Birch]

> Subject: Why is Europe so fond of diesels?
> To: quattro at audifans.com
> From: "Jon R Tetzloff" <tetzloff at us.ibm.com>
> Date: Fri, 9 Feb 2001 14:50:36 -0600
>
>Why the diesel craze?

Common sense in Europe, I would think.  I mean why not drive an automobile
that gives you  real world fuel mileage of 50-65MPG.  (VW 3 cyl turbo
diesel, sold in Europe)

> I was brought up in the US and 'taught' that diesels make a horrible
clattering racket, stink, pollute.......

Test drive a new VW TDI Jetta or Beetle, if you can find one that's not
already sold!

>get way lower power per cubic inch than a gasoline engine......

My 3,600 lb 1987 Mercedes Benz 3.0 Turbo-Diesel would easily cruise at over
100 MPH.  At 60MPH on cruise control......35 MPG.    25 MPG in the city.
Compare that to a gasoline powered car or SUV!

>and start worth crap in the cold.

Wrong, again.  New Diesels have improved starting devices to replace glow
plugs.  Heated fuel lines, etc.  When you unlock your VW Jetta with the
remote control, some distance from the car, the Diesel heating device
engages.  By the time you belt up and insert the key, your Diesel is ready
to crank up and run!   Synthetic oil is a plus for older Diesels.

> I realize that modern diesels are probably clean
> and quiet, etc, yet you still pretty much couldn't give
> away a diesel car in the US.

Well, we do have a considerable amount of stupid drivers in America.  As
witnessed by the popularity of the SUV.

> Is the popularity in Europe a fuel cost thing, a mechanical simplicity
thing, engine longevity...

All of that, too.  Gasoline in America is cheap compared to fuel costs in
Europe.  Of course, Europe has an excellant mass-transit system, while we
have??

BTW, in California and New York, you cannot buy a new VW Diesel car.
Nevermind that persons living there might want to own a new Diesel.

> I'm not trying to take sides or start any arguments........

No offense taken!  Having driven Mercedes Benz Diesels for 20 years, I like
Diesels!  I own and ride a BMW motorcycle whenever possible.  (48-50MPG).

 In closing, I prefer to send very little of my money to OPEC and the
associated venders who leech off American motorists.

Ed Birch.......91-100

(20MPG, but great in the snow)