You may already know that we’ve added a controversial Chevy Volt to our long-term fleet to explore what alternative drivetrains mean to the future of enthusiast cars. Well, Volkswagen challenged our assumptions and let us know that they were already building the ultimate combination of fun and frugality: The diesel-powered TDi drivetrain.
So VW loaned us a 2013 Beetle TDi …
You guys are going to need to pull down better than 40mpg to justify the cost and maintenance of a diesel. I'm a huge diesel fan, but the mileage isn't far off from a lot of new gasoline cars with a much lower price tag.
For where I am diesel is about a 10% premium which still bests most gasser vehicles. Also Diesel tends to retain its high mpg at higher than legal cruising speeds while gassers tend to fall off a lot more. My Jetta TDI does 43mpg all day at 80mph and 39 city with the AC on. No modern non hybrid car will come close to the city mileage of the diesel.
And you are only a chip and some injectors away from so much more power without impacting the fuel economy, show me a gasser that can do that
Also pay attention to the overall weight of the wheels and tires you add to the car, keep it light and even stickier tires will help a lot. For a good compromise tire for performance and rolling resistance the TDI club guys like the contintental DWS
i like diesel cars or trucks, even buses, have owned a bunch.
fastest cars at Sebring ,duh, AUDI diesels, 1&2, closest gasser, 5LAPS behind!, they must be good they wont let them run in a lot of races,banned in most races.
and Diesels are finally comin on strong, many brands showing up, only a matter of time when they get sorted out!!
Horsepower sells cars; Torque wins races!
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