The Best of Both Worlds

- by Scott Farrell

Editor's Note:This article was written for the original VWWorld website. I'm reposting it here since it was a well done article about the TDI engine and would still appeal to people today.

"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, the TDI exceeds the 2-liter's torque output by 27-ft/lbs and falls short of the 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 recent side by side comparison of the 2-liter New Beetle and the TDI-equipped New Beetle showed that the 2-liter edges the TDI by less than one 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 TDI is 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. 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. An ECU chip replacement by Wetterauer will boost horsepower to 115-hp, torque to 185-ft/lbs, and will even improve fuel economy by 4%. That's similar torque to a stock VR6, but with double the fuel economy. With the exception of the engine and its associated hardware, TDIs are equipped identically to GLs and are now available as 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. Now for a comparison: a friend of mine owns a Jetta TDI and a Golf GTI-VR6. 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 full-throttle acceleration. The car responds nicely and QUIETLY.

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. After more than 35,000 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.
Visit me at "http://members.aol.com/StealthTDI" for more photos and information about the TDI as well as links to other TDI sites. Feel free to e-mail me or sign my guestbook. My thanks to VW World's website manager, Theresa, for allowing me the opportunity to write about the TDI in this forum.

See You On The Road,

Scott