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Article Comments - 2008 Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel

72 messages,  Last post on Mar 04, 2009 at 10:42 PM

You are in the Subaru Legacy & Outback Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Diesel, Sedan

 
European First Drive: 2008 Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel - Kenichi Yamamoto, the man in charge of the development of this car, makes no secret of Subaru's lofty ambitions for the 2008 Subaru Legacy Boxer Diesel, which features the world's first horizontally opposed diesel engine for passenger cars. (more)

Messages Page 5 of 8

#32 of 72 re: outback diesel [iceager] by gagrice

May 20, 2008 (6:04 pm)

Replying to: iceager (May 20, 2008 3:56 pm)
In 2006 MB switched to an aluminum V6 diesel in all the cars and SUVs they sell in the USA. I prefer the prior straight 6 cast iron block. But they are rare in CA. I think that Subaru diesel has got a couple years use in the EU. I do think the Jetta Sportwagon or Tiguan TDI would be my choice. VW is one of the premier diesel engine builders.

#33 of 72 re: outback diesel [iceager] by ateixeira

May 21, 2008 (7:34 am)

Replying to: iceager (May 20, 2008 2:21 pm)
This is a difference in opinion, but using a VW-sourced V6 (not even a boxer) for a Porsche is selling out to me.
 
What makes it a Porsche? Tuning?
 
Where's the soul?
 
It's a sport-tuned Touareg.

#34 of 72 re: outback diesel [ateixeira] by dcm61

May 21, 2008 (9:18 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (May 21, 2008 7:34 am)
This is a difference in opinion, but using a VW-sourced V6 (not even a boxer) for a Porsche is selling out to me.
 
Would it be selling out if they introduced a Boxster Turbo Diesel (powered by Subaru)?

#35 of 72 re: outback diesel [dcm61] by ateixeira

May 21, 2008 (9:57 am)

Replying to: dcm61 (May 21, 2008 9:18 am)
Much less so.
 
It would still have the soul of a Subaru, though, not a Porsche.

#36 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [gagrice] by watkinst

Jun 25, 2008 (12:36 pm)

Replying to: gagrice (May 17, 2008 2:41 pm)
I think you'll find that the biggest concern Subaru and others have regarding diesel isn't the CARB rules. Its the american buyer's concept of diesel.
 
Just skimming this thread there are alot of comments made about pump cost. I doubt any of those that have commented on pump cost have actually ran the numbers. Generally Diesel runs about 16% more than regular gas but the gas version vs diesel version of the same car - the diesel normally gets 30+% greater milege per gallon. The housing loan disaster is a good example of how limited the American Consumer is when it comes to doing basic math.
 
Add the perception that diesels are stinky - loud and slow and the US market for Diesel is a very challenging one to crack.
 
You'll find that the better educated and those who travel outside the US are most likely the first addopters for diesel passenger cars in the US.
 
Fuel economy even now has a very limited importance in the US we still see people buying SUV's though maybe slightly smaller than their Suburban but they don't do the math a new MDX at $40K that gets low 20mpg on the highway is actually costing them more than keeping the old Suburban. Also very few Americans actually use their cars to their full potential before upgrading to a larger vehicle.
 
This July 4th we have 3 adults a 75lb dog - three golf bags and three bicycles along with one duffle bag each making a 8hr each way road trip in a Subaru Legacy Sedan. We've done this trip many times in this car and it works just fine. Though we could easily take our Landcruiser but we would get 1/2 the milege and be driving way to much car for what we need.

#37 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [watkinst] by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2008 (8:20 am)

Replying to: watkinst (Jun 25, 2008 12:36 pm)
I'm sure it depends upon your assumptions, plus regional fuel pricing, but I always thought diesels were about 20% more efficient, and the fuel itself costs about that much more than regular octane gas here in my area.
 
Since it costs more up front, the only real benefit may be increased range.

#38 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [ateixeira] by rsholland

Jun 26, 2008 (8:36 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 26, 2008 8:20 am)
I'm not sure I agree with that. There are other benefits to diesel beyond fuel mileage. A diesel offers a HUGE advantage in torque over comparable gas engines.
 
That being the case diesels often feel (and are) a lot more powerful than gas engines, especially at lower rpms. This is especially useful when the vehicle is loaded with people and/or towing, or in hilly areas.
 
Bob

#39 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2008 (8:45 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 26, 2008 8:36 am)
Definitely, but that appeals mostly to the towing crowd, still only a niche.
 
It will be an uphill battle given the image problems mentioned above plus the sticker shock at the pump. Around me it's $4.82 and gas is $3.99 (both per Mapquest for my zip code).
 
That's 21% higher cost!

#40 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [ateixeira] by rsholland

Jun 26, 2008 (8:58 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jun 26, 2008 8:45 am)
Definitely, but that appeals mostly to the towing crowd, still only a niche.
 
No it won't. A diesel will feel more powerful than a gas engine—most of the time—under most conditions. That has a lot of appeal.
 
Bob

#41 of 72 Re: Outback Diesel [rsholland] by ateixeira

Jun 26, 2008 (9:14 am)

Replying to: rsholland (Jun 26, 2008 8:58 am)
I'd have to sample the diesel boxer back-to-back with a gasser.

Messages Page 5 of 8

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