Fastest, or most PH worthy manual diesel...
Discussion
Call me odd, but I quite like diesel power delivery for a daily driver, but I'm not too keen on autos. Had a 535d in the past and I generally loved the drive/performance it but the auto took something away from the control/experience.
It got me thinking, what's the most sporty/performance orientated diesel of the last couple of years that can be bought in manual form? The best I can think of is a 125d/330d. Can anyone do better?
It got me thinking, what's the most sporty/performance orientated diesel of the last couple of years that can be bought in manual form? The best I can think of is a 125d/330d. Can anyone do better?
rix said:
Call me odd, but I quite like diesel power delivery for a daily driver, but I'm not too keen on autos. Had a 535d in the past and I generally loved the drive/performance it but the auto took something away from the control/experience.
It got me thinking, what's the most sporty/performance orientated diesel of the last couple of years that can be bought in manual form? The best I can think of is a 125d/330d. Can anyone do better?
I would have thought that the 330d would be the best. BMW smokers are more linear and high-revving than most others and are probably OK in manual form. Any modern diesel engine is probably better suited to the auto, though, really, as they are most likely designed with gearbox in mind.It got me thinking, what's the most sporty/performance orientated diesel of the last couple of years that can be bought in manual form? The best I can think of is a 125d/330d. Can anyone do better?
Because I like changing gear!
Not only that, on many autos even in manual mode, they will still kick down which means that you can never properly use the full torque in gear without it wanting punch you up the road by dropping a cog. My e60 was an LCI with the improved gearbox and although it was smooth etc it just took too much of the driving away for my preferences. On the flip side I've recently driven a 2.2 197 brake s-max (not out of choice) but really liked the combination of a reasonably powerful Diesel engine and manual box.
Not only that, on many autos even in manual mode, they will still kick down which means that you can never properly use the full torque in gear without it wanting punch you up the road by dropping a cog. My e60 was an LCI with the improved gearbox and although it was smooth etc it just took too much of the driving away for my preferences. On the flip side I've recently driven a 2.2 197 brake s-max (not out of choice) but really liked the combination of a reasonably powerful Diesel engine and manual box.
THX said:
2.0 Leon or Mk2 Focus would give anything on the road a good go.
Absolute rubbish, both are nothing if not average examples of mundane diesel hatchbacks.I echo the sentiment asking why you'd ever want a manual diesel - there is no pleasure to be had from stirring the box with a diesel engine - but if you insist I don't think they come any faster than something like an N57 engined E90 330d (The later 245bhp variant). All the more powerful diesels tend to be automatic only.
Still chuckling at that Mk2 Focus suggestion.
Does he like the Focus?
Ive said it before, Megane sport DCI 175. its got to be up there as one of the best handling Diesels ever made. same chassis as the highly regarded R26 Meg.
Andy
edit to add its the only diesel Ive driven that keeps power to the redline (still drops off but nothing like most oil burners). and is reasonable free revving, you can rev match and heel toe quite easily.
you're welcome to have alook round mine I'm in Hampshire.
Andy
edit to add its the only diesel Ive driven that keeps power to the redline (still drops off but nothing like most oil burners). and is reasonable free revving, you can rev match and heel toe quite easily.
you're welcome to have alook round mine I'm in Hampshire.
Edited by TheConverted on Tuesday 4th November 11:57
I have an Alpina D3 manual and it's reasonably quick but I cannot fathom why you would actively seek out a diesel manual. The non-linear power delivery and narrow power band make low speed maneuvering jerky and you end up hitting the limiter in first after about 10 feet of forward motion when nailing it.
I wouldn't be going diesel for anything sporty cus they a'int.
I wouldn't be going diesel for anything sporty cus they a'int.
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