re: I5 revival

[SOP8920@Siena.edu]

>There is already new I5 available in Europe, but it is a diesel. A
>wonderfull engine, 5 cyl,
>2.5L, turbo, 150 hp, TDI (direct injection). The first quattro diesel ever
>made is also available, it is an A6.  

>Later,

>V. Jokic
>St. Catharines
>Canada

(1) Is this the same TDI that is available now in the Passat?

(2) I was told, or read somewhere, that diesel engines are made more robust and
last much longer than gasoline engines. Since I barely understand much about
gasoline engines, I shrudder to ask. BUT.. if somebody could shed light on
this. We used to own a MB 300TD. It started poor as all hell in the winter,
and was slow as a dog. Yet.. the car fascinated me. 

I just don't understand the technology I guess. For instance, why is it better
for truckers to run their diesel engines all night long and not shut them off?
Yet, with gasoline engines... we don't exactly leave 'em parked in the driveway
idling all night. What's going on here?

Oh.. and what the heck is a glow-plug anyway?

                               -Osman Parvez
                                89 200q
                                Albany NY