Newworld
Elio Enthusiast
Not everyone likes a diesel engine, but the enormous fuel savings are beyond doubt very good. I have owned a Jetta wagon for 12 years and no problems. Anyone interested in a diesel engine option?
Welcome to Elio Owners! Join today, registration is easy!
You can register using your Google, Facebook, or Twitter account, just click here.You are probably right. It would take a long time to recoup that price difference. Diesels are mostly known for their incredible torque and with the Elio being so light, you can only do so much with increasing the torque. Of course, Smart is saying 71mpg in their diesel vs 38mpg in the gas version (diesel not available here)... so, hmm...I've been a diesel tech for nearly 20 years, while a little diesel in the Elio would be cool, you won't see much a gain in MPG over the 84 they are shooting for out of the gas engine, if any gain at all. 84 mpg out of a simple gas engine is HUGE! The best you see anywhere else right now is what, 40s?
Now, of course if you compare cars today gas vs. diesel in them you see decent gains. But they start in the 20s and 30s on gas, of course you'll see more impressive gains with a diesel. But when you start at 49/84 with gas like the Elio, there isn't much room to improve. I could see maybe squeaking 52/89 out of a little turbo diesel, but when you factor in the added cost of the engine, turbo, CAC, piping and electrical and the fact diesel cost more that gas it wouldn't be worth it.
You are probably right. It would take a long time to recoup that price difference. Diesels are mostly known for their incredible torque and with the Elio being so light, you can only do so much with increasing the torque. Of course, Smart is saying 71mpg in their diesel vs 38mpg in the gas version (diesel not available here)... so, hmm...
Well, here's something to think about: the VW L1. It is similar in shape and gets 262 mpg. I'm told it won't be available in the USA. But how do they get the tremendous mileage with more weight? I'm not a diesel tech whatsoever, but something isn't making sense to me (no better mileage). Comments appreciated.