Why is Europe so fond of diesels?

[james accordino]

--- Brad Wilson <bradw at pobox.com> wrote:
> 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.
>
I'm certainly NOT a diesel expert, but the way I
understand it is they are old tech.  Truck engines
used in "light trucks".  Dodge has a Cummins and Dorfs
is an old International nee Navistar.  But came from
medium duty trucks.  I think the big tech breakthrough
came when they designed injectors that could handle
the extreme pressures involved in injecting fuel
directly into the combustion chambers.  DI (direct
injection) is the hot new deal.  IDI (indirect
injection)= noise, less power, and more pollution. 
They also started using computers for engine
management functions.  I may be wrong, but this is how
I understand it anyway.

Jim Accordino


 
> 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/
> 
>