Why is Europe so fond of diesels?

[Brad Wilson]

james accordino wrote:

> --- Jon R Tetzloff <tetzloff at us.ibm.com> wrote:

>> I was brought up in the US and 'taught' that diesels make a horrible
>> clattering racket, stink, pollute, get way lower power per cubic inch
>> than a gasoline engine, and start worth crap in the cold.

> It's a whole new generation of diesel engines. Everything you described as
> a negative, they now do very well. The longevity, economy, and fuel
> mileage have always been there, only now they're also better. It's a
> win/win/win for them.

Two comments.

First, for Jon: go to your local VW dealership and drive a Jetta with a
turbo diesel and see what you think about power, stink, noise, and pollution
for yourself. If you're overcome with joy, start a campaign to AoA to have
them bring the 1.9 TDI to the US for the A4 (that would be the path of least
resistance, since the Jetta has the 1.9 TDI already).

Second, for James: while it's true that VW and Audi have truly fantastic
diesel engines, many American automakers still have bad ones. Listen even to
a modern diesel pickup truck and its still way noisy. Perhaps the other
factors aren't as bad, but noise is a significant issue for many people. If
the engine is making a terrible racket, they're going to be pissed.

Also, before considering a diesel here in the states, remember that not
every gas station has a diesel pump. Pay attention to the pumps that you
frequent, and see how many of them would be able to take a diesel vehicle.

Best regards,
Brad

2000 A6 2.7 biturbo quattro (would definitely have considered a 2.5 TDI!)
http://www.quality.nu/bradw/audi/