4-Cylinder Petrol or 6-Cylinder Diesel

[kambites]

I think from that graph, which is more "flexible" is rather a matter of semantics. If you try to accelerate between any two speeds in the single best gear for that range, the diesel will not only do it faster than the petrol, but will be pulling harder at almost every point in the range; however, that's in large part just because the diesel is the faster car; the petrol's torque through-out the range will probably be more consistent, just lower.

In other words, the diesel driver will have to change gear more often to maintain peak acceleration, but less often if the goal is simply to be faster than the petrol.

[Timbola]

Why compare a six pot diesel with a four pot petrol, and not a six pot?

The contemporary to the turbo diesel six pot, say a 335d, is surely a turbo petrol six pot, so a 335i.

[Snowboy]

If your looking for a fun car to drive then it doesn't matter if it's a petrol or diesel.
It matters if it's an auto or manual.

A diesel may need more gear changes?
Cool. Gear changes are fun.
Getting a spot on rev matched gear change is a lot more 'fun' than just letting an auto box click.

Test drive everything, buy the one you like to drive.

[LuS1fer]

I don't like diesels so there is no choice for me other than a default petrol.
It doesn't bother me that the diesel may be quicker, I just don't like driving them.