Predictions of $4 gas this summer have failed. Gas in Portland this week was around $3.55 and the price of crude oil–for the moment–is dropping. Nonetheless fuel economy remains a top priority for new car shoppers–more so than in decades–despite relatively affordable gas. There’s some fantastic technology available now, and most of it is heaped on hybrids. And why not…it’s a relatively fresh and sexyconcept. But as hybrids receive praise, diesels have quietly evolved far beyond what you remember in the 1980s. No longer do they smell, blow smoke, rattle, or require manual transmissions. And in most cases, they produce better MPG than similarly equipped hybrids. Consider:
Price
Because of the extra technology that goes into making diesels perform well on the road and comply with emissions standards, they are generally more expensive than rival gasoline engines.
Engine/Fuel Economy
In the past, diesel engines were written off as noisy and smelly, but technological advances over the last decade have eliminated these drawbacks (though you still shouldn’t expect whisper-quiet operation in a big diesel pickup). Fuel economy is stellar relative to gasoline-powered engines, yielding serious driving range between fill-ups. Grunt is also impressive: Always paired with a turbocharger, modern diesels provide unmatched torque at low rpm, which makes them an excellent choice for towing and hauling. The extra torque offsets diesel engines’ typically lower horsepower numbers, and makes them feel especially strong around town.
Luxury Features/Convenience
Today’s diesel-powered models can be outfitted every bit as opulently as their gasoline-drinking counterparts. As all 2011 diesel passenger cars and SUVs are of German origin, they tend to have a premium feel inside, with lengthy lists of optional luxuries. The American diesel pickups generally receive the same standard and optional features as gas versions.
Manual vs. Automatic Transmission
This used to be a simple section, but not anymore. While traditional manuals with clutch pedals are still recommended for sport sedans and underpowered compacts, there are now several kinds of automatics. One is the traditional and most common “automatic transmission,” which features a torque converter and can be shifted manually via the console shifter or wheel-mounted paddles. Automated manual transmissions used to be the stuff of exotic sports cars, but now they’ve found their way into economy cars for their ability to better maximize the potential of lower-powered engines. While these types of transmissions make manual shifting more responsive, they can operate just like a normal automatic but shift quality is generally less smooth.
Operating Costs
The main attraction of diesels, at least in light-duty vehicles, is that they reduce fuel costs through increased efficiency. In the United States, however, the cost of diesel fuel has fluctuated widely in recent years, exceeding the cost of even premium gasoline at times. For consumers who choose to fill up with biodiesel, fuel costs will be even higher. In the long run, though, most diesel owners will enjoy a savings over comparable gasoline models and even some gas-electric hybrids. Another potential consideration for very high-mileage drivers is that diesel engines historically have a longer service life than gasoline motors due to their simpler design and more robust construction.