See article below comparing the TDI with the Prius.... As my friend Sam Goldberg, who has opened the first biodiesel station in Canada (near Toronto), using B20 from Topia Energy in Sudbury, says:
"...add biodiesel, and it's even better!!" ...to which I'd also add, "of course... and/or SVO!" Edward Beggs http://www.biofuels.ca Apr. 24, 2004. 01:00 AM Prius is greener, Jetta's more fun Both are equally frugal and utterly different Prius great for city life, Jetta best for highways PETER BLEAKNEY SPECIAL TO THE STAR Nearly 40 per cent of passenger vehicles sold in Europe are diesel powered. Do they know something we don't? I booked a 2004 VW Jetta TDI the week before my stint with the Toyota Prius hybrid with the intent of comparing these fuel sippers back to back. Two vehicles with divergent technologies in pursuit of one goal: reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Volkswagen has tweaked its 1.9 L turbo diesel for 2004 with a new high-pressure pump injection system (Pumpe Duse). The claimed result is lower combustion noise, better efficiency and cleaner emissions. Output is 100 hp at 4,000 rpm and 177 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,800 to 2,400 rpm. The Prius is motivated by the fascinating high-tech union of a 1.5 L 76 hp four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 50 kilowatt (67 hp) electric motor, a raft of nickel-metal hydride batteries and a continuously variable transmission. Just so you don't skip to the end of the article, I'll spill the beans now. Over a week of essentially identical driving (a mix of city and highway) in each vehicle, the most miserly motorcar was ... well, it was a tie. They both turned in an impressive 6.1 L/100 km. If you look at this in purely economic terms, one could argue the boxy Jetta beats the space-age Prius at its own game. Factor in the cheaper cost of diesel fuel and the difference in vehicle price (TDI: $26,080; Prius: $29,990), and the VW saves the most green. Similar fuel economy aside, these cars are about alike as chalk and cheese. The Jetta blends into the automotive landscape unnoticed, while the swoopy Prius never fails to attract attention. They are also very different in the way they go about their business. The Prius is best puttering around town. Its near silent operation at lower speeds and airy cabin make it an enjoyable runabout. Rear seat accommodation is limo-like and the hatch adds a healthy dose of utility. It is very well equipped and sufficiently zippy, too. The Economy Monitor on the LCD screen is highly entertaining (perhaps too much so) as various flashing arrows show the direction of power flow between the drivetrain elements. The biggest problem I had with the Prius was its directional stability on the highway. Any lateral force — crosswinds, passing trucks, lane changes, low flying geese — had it squirming on its contact patches and going places I didn't want it to. The somewhat numb steering didn't help. This tester's Toyo snow tires may have been to blame. The Jetta TDI, on the other hand, is a champion on the highway. It is stable, comfortable and serene, showing 2,500 rpm at 120 km/h. With 177 lb.-ft. of torque under foot, brisk top gear acceleration is just a Reebok tip away. Around town, the Jetta has a few liabilities. The odd whiff of diesel smoke will tickle your nose, the engine sounds like a blender full of marbles on a cold morning, and acceleration in the lower gears is a bit gravely. That said, the inherent goodness of the Jetta still stands up, namely the solid platform, beautifully executed interior, comfortable seats, a subtle ride and the fluid harmony of all major controls. Call it that intangible "Germaness" if you like. This would be the first car I'd pick for a cross-country jaunt. Compared to the near invisible VW, the Prius in all its aero-greeness makes quite a statement. Drive this and the world knows you are an informed, concerned and intelligent human who's not afraid to spend a few extra bucks to help out Mother Earth. And, yes, it is greener than the Jetta. The TDI does meet current emission regulations, but there are issues with diesel engines, namely the particulates (soot) and NOx (nitrogen oxide) emissions that will be challenging for diesel manufacturers who face tougher standards in 2007. By then, low-sulphur fuel will allow for particulate filters and NOx-reducing catalytic converters, which should keep diesels in the game. So what's a greenie supposed to do? For those focusing on the bigger ecological picture, the Prius will have more appeal because it leaves a slightly smaller footprint on our environment. If you're more concerned with saving money and prefer the European driving dynamic, then the Jetta is your ride. Either way, I'd say we're all winners. Peter Bleakney can be reached at [EMAIL PROTECTED] Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Biofuels list archives: http://infoarchive.net/sgroup/biofuel/ Please do NOT send Unsubscribe messages to the list address. 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