The Best of Both Worlds
by Stealth TDI (updated periodically to reflect current mileage)

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        "That's a DIESEL?" is a popular question received by TDI owners.  Another is "Do you realize that pump dispenses diesel?"  I suppose two things contribute to those questions.  First, most people don't expect a sleek new VW to be powered by a diesel engine.  Second, since most people associate diesels with the under-powered VW diesels of the past, they're shocked when they see that a TDI can actually get out of its own way.  The 90-hp output of the TDI seems quite low when compared to the 115-hp output of the 2-liter; but torque is what moves a car.  This is where the TDI shines.  With 149-ft/lbs of torque produced at just 1900 rpm (155-ft/lbs in A4 chassis and 177-ft/lbs beginning in 2004), the TDI exceeds the 2-liter's torque output by 27-ft/lbs and falls short of the 12V VR6 by only 24-ft/lbs.  I'll not suggest that a TDI can rundown a VR6; but I will say that TDIs are quite surprising.  A 2000 side by side comparison of the 2-liter New Beetle and the 90-hp TDI-equipped New Beetle showed that the 2-liter edges the TDI by only 1/2-second in the 0-60 as well as the standing ¼-mile.  My own experience shows that the TDI is surprisingly fast from 0 to 45-mph, where most drivers typically have the most fun.  Although I've never raced a 2-liter from 0-60, I suspect the TDI would get the jump early and that the 2-liter would slowly catch up.  The 2-liter would make it to 60-mph quicker; but it's tough to say which car would actually be in front at 60-mph because of the early low-speed advantage of the TDI.  The advantage the 2-liter has over the TDI while accelerating is the fact that its engine can be driven to a higher rpm before shifting.  The TDI's advantage is that maximum torque is available shortly after leaving idle.  Therefore, the real-world performance difference between the TDI and the 2-liter remains debatable.  However, the TDI's economical advantage is undeniable.

        The 1996-2003 TDIs are rated for 49-mpg on the highway in the U.S.  Most people aren't aware of the European mileage specs: (A3 Jetta) 44-mpg at 75-mph, 56-mpg at 55-mph, and 37-mpg in the city.  That's right!  The TDI is capable of 56-mpg with a little self-control.  I once drove the speed limit and made no stops for fuel during a routine 650-mile one-way trip from Cape Cod to Virginia and averaged 53-mpg while using the air conditioner.  My daily commute at 70-mph usually yields between 44 and 46-mpg.  I get about 42-mpg when the cruise control is set for 80-mph.  My worst mileage was 35-mpg while cruising at 80-mph through mountains in Colorado with a 700-pound payload.  My average fuel mileage over the life of the car has been about 43-mpg.  This includes over 6000-miles of high-speed, heavy payload driving during a recent vacation.  My best tank is 802-miles on 14.58-gallons, averaging 55-mpg.  High fuel mileage is definitely a bonus with a 45,000-mile annual driving schedule.  With no tune-ups, spark plugs, or distributor, the reduced maintenance of a diesel keeps costs down as well.

Let's talk about performance, handling, and driveability.  A simple and relatively inexpensive ECU upgrade will boost horsepower to 116-hp, torque to 195-ft/lbs, and will even improve fuel economy by 4% (the power numbers are underestimated due to overseas taxing practices).  Add in a set of high-flow injectors and the numbers will increase even more.  Once considered exotic, new programming and uprated injectors are the norm today.  In fact, many TDI enthusiasts are approaching a point where TURBO SWAPS are becoming "the norm." The numbers on the graph at right are measured from THE WHEELS!  That's more torque than a stock VR6, 1.8T, R32, R36, or even a W8; but with double the fuel economy.  With the exception of the engine and its associated hardware, TDIs are equipped identically to GLs and GLS's.  Therefore, most of the same suspension, exhaust, intake, and body modifications are also applicable to TDI-equipped cars; and would yield the same improvements.  Make no mistake, the TDI will never be as fast as a VW designed for speed.  But a modified TDI is easily the fastest economy car on the road!

Now for a comparison: a friend of mine owns a Jetta TDI and a Golf GTI-VR6... both of which are A3s.  Both are decked to the hilt.  His evaluation of the two is that the VR6 is, without a doubt, faster.  But if he had to get rid of one of his cars the TDI WOULD STAY.  He says it's because the TDI is simply more fun to drive due to the low-speed torque and the fact that the lighter engine produces less understeer during hard cornering.  The TDI is also more driver-friendly in traffic.  It'll drive 35-mph in 5th gear and still accelerate sufficiently, which means less shifting in fluctuating traffic.  Need to zip around someone without calling attention to yourself?  No problem.  No need to downshift; just floor it.  The turbo does an excellent job of muffling the sound of hard acceleration (can't call it "full-throttle" since TDIs have no throttle plates).  The car responds nicely and QUIETLY.  NOTE:  He has since sold the GTI-VR6.

In closing, I'd like to comment that I've found no downside to owning a TDI vice a 2-liter.  The TDI really portrays the diesel engine splendidly.  Its performance is acceptable, its economy is incredible, and it's pleasing to drive in a variety of settings.  In short, the TDI is the single best compromise between performance and economy.  In fact, I think it's safe to say a modified TDI is likely the quickest economy car (meaning a car that gets 40-mpg or better)  you can own.

After more than 245,000 miles, I've found no reason to be dissatisfied with my decision to buy a diesel.  The normal "diesel problems," such as long waits for the glow plugs to warm up, unpleasant odors, heavy smoking, and lethargy simply don't apply to the TDI.  Also, diesel fuel isn't as hard to find as many cynics would make it seem.  Take one for a test drive and you'll see what I mean.  You may find that owning a diesel isn't so alien after all.

See You On The Road,

Scott

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