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Bungle · 17th October 2006, 15:07

So, my 1.8 i-VTEC is in the dealers getting a couple of things looked at (again), and I have been given a courtesy car. A 2.2 Diesel SE.

Now, I was excited when I found out I was getting a smoker, as I have not yet driven one of these. I was not happy that I had to pay £20 odd quid on my insurance for the priviledge, but that is another matter.

I have noted a few differences between the engines I would like to comment on.

The first thing is the noise. When I started it, I let out a snigger. It sounded exactly like my old work Transit. It shook like it too in idle! Then reversing out of the bay I noticed the the clutch is more 'snatchey' than mine. It is difficult to bring it up smoothly when moving slowly. This just might be the individual car, I am not sure.

On the way home, I felt the difference in torque. It is amazing. The petrol does not hang about, but the diesel just tries to snap your neck if you put your foot down. What I didn't like though is the looooong delay after putting your foot down.

Later, I had to fill up. I fogot how all diesel pumps seem to have a thick layer of the stuff all over the handle and joints. Got covered in the stuff. Then I remembered I always wore gloves when filling the van up!

I took the missus to Bluewater that evening, and after 1/2 hours driving we both felt sick. Not sure if it was the noticably softer suspension, of the constant virbating when the engine is idling, or what, but we both felt it.

Going to college this morning, I chocked poor mrs Bungle with fumes when I started up as she was waving me off. The engine also took about 10 minutes to warm up, which supprised me.

So after 2 days (and counting) I really feel I made the right choice with my petrol. I know the diesel is more torquey and more economical, but for me, I don't like the thumps of acceleration in each gear, I prefer the longer, more progressive acceleration of the petrol. And it sounds so much nicer being pushed! I have no doubt the diesel is quicker in some circumstances, but it is not to my taste.

I also noticed a sticker on the windscreen that reminds me to check oil regurlarly. Don't have one on my 1.8. Do diesels really use that much oil?

So, these are my findings. The diesel has advantages, as mentioned, but they do not suit me at all, nor mrs Bungle. It just re-assured me that I made the right decision with engine choice, and thought other petrol users out there might like to read this.

Comments welcome!

17th October 2006, 15:07	#1 (permalink)
Bungle Rocketship door handle Join Date: 3rd July 2006 Location: SE London/Kent Posts: 1,220 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts iTrader: (0)	Petrol or Diesel? So, my 1.8 i-VTEC is in the dealers getting a couple of things looked at (again), and I have been given a courtesy car. A 2.2 Diesel SE. Now, I was excited when I found out I was getting a smoker, as I have not yet driven one of these. I was not happy that I had to pay £20 odd quid on my insurance for the priviledge, but that is another matter. I have noted a few differences between the engines I would like to comment on. The first thing is the noise. When I started it, I let out a snigger. It sounded exactly like my old work Transit. It shook like it too in idle! Then reversing out of the bay I noticed the the clutch is more 'snatchey' than mine. It is difficult to bring it up smoothly when moving slowly. This just might be the individual car, I am not sure. On the way home, I felt the difference in torque. It is amazing. The petrol does not hang about, but the diesel just tries to snap your neck if you put your foot down. What I didn't like though is the looooong delay after putting your foot down. Later, I had to fill up. I fogot how all diesel pumps seem to have a thick layer of the stuff all over the handle and joints. Got covered in the stuff. Then I remembered I always wore gloves when filling the van up! I took the missus to Bluewater that evening, and after 1/2 hours driving we both felt sick. Not sure if it was the noticably softer suspension, of the constant virbating when the engine is idling, or what, but we both felt it. Going to college this morning, I chocked poor mrs Bungle with fumes when I started up as she was waving me off. The engine also took about 10 minutes to warm up, which supprised me. So after 2 days (and counting) I really feel I made the right choice with my petrol. I know the diesel is more torquey and more economical, but for me, I don't like the thumps of acceleration in each gear, I prefer the longer, more progressive acceleration of the petrol. And it sounds so much nicer being pushed! I have no doubt the diesel is quicker in some circumstances, but it is not to my taste. I also noticed a sticker on the windscreen that reminds me to check oil regurlarly. Don't have one on my 1.8. Do diesels really use that much oil? So, these are my findings. The diesel has advantages, as mentioned, but they do not suit me at all, nor mrs Bungle. It just re-assured me that I made the right decision with engine choice, and thought other petrol users out there might like to read this. Comments welcome!