Better Performance

Improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technologies have

• Increased power
• Improved acceleration
• Increased efficiency

New engine designs, along with noise- and vibration-damping technologies, have made them quieter and smoother. Old car brochures didn't come with emission ratings or any of the standard knowledge that comes with cars these days. The advancements made since then have made cars efficient in almost every way.  Cold-weather starting has been improved also.

Cleaner

Today's diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline vehicles, and advances in engine technologies, low-sulfur diesel fuel, and improved exhaust treatment have made this possible.

Although emissions of particulates and smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx) are still relatively high, new "clean" diesel fuels, such as low-sulfur diesel and biodiesel, and advances in emission control technologies will reduce these pollutants also.

The big problem is that there are very few diesels sold in the U.S.  None of the big 3 automakers has a diesel, unless you want a truck.  Right now, (June 2006) your only source would be  Audi, Volkswagen, Mercedes.  Europe has already joined the diesel bandwagon, in 2005, diesel cars accounted for over 50% of all new car purchases in Europe.  Honda, which already sells diesel engine vehicles in Europe, will install the engine in vehicles for the Japanese market as well as the United States.

Low-Sulfur Diesel

Low-sulfur diesel fuel will begin replacing conventional diesel starting in 2006. The new fuel will contain 97% less sulfur than conventional diesel—sulfur will be reduced from 500 parts per million (ppm) to 15 ppm.

Low-sulfur diesel fuel is cleaner-burning, producing less particulate emissions in both older and new engines.

It will also allow the use of improved exhaust treatment devices to reduce emissions of particulates and smog-forming nitrogen oxides (NOx). These devices can be "poisoned" by the sulfur in conventional diesel fuel.

Biodiesel

Biodiesel is a form of diesel fuel that can be manufactured from vegetable oils, animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe, biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than regular diesel.

Biodiesel can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum diesel. Lower-level biodiesel blends—up to 20% biodiesel—can be used safely in most diesel engines. Higher blends may also be used in engines built since 1992-94 with little or no modification. (Note: Always consult with the original manufacturer and engine warranty statement before using biodiesel.)

Biodiesel has several advantages over petroleum diesel fuel, but there are also some challenges to using it, as shown in the table below.

Advantages/Disadvantages of Biodiesel