Turbo Diesel on mileage?

[Dyno247365]

Is a Turbo Diesel engine better or worse on mileage then a diesel engine. Why or why not? Which brand of engine would you recommend?

[MagicRat]

If both engines are operated at the same power output, (or same speed and load) the turbo diesel will produce better fuel mileage.

The turbo unit actively reclaims some of the thermal energy that is lost in the exhaust and reintroduces it into the engine by compressing the incoming air.

A non- turbo engine not only loses all the exhaust thermal energy but also experiences some pumping losses as it draws air through the intake manifold.

As for brand........ there are many excellent turbo diesels, in everything from small engines all the way to huge powerplants for ships and construction equipment. It all depends on application.

For cars, at least in North America, there are very few turbo diesel cars to choose from and manu of those do not have directly comparable performance qualities. For example, you could not realistically directly compare a Volkswagen turbo diesel and a Mercedes turbo diesel because the cars they are in are very different in terms of performance and price.

[KiwiBacon]

In addition to Magicrat's comments.

The VW 1.9 td engine is one of the best in the world for efficiency. It acheives BSFC of under 200g/kwh.

Compare that to a caterpiller 4l turbo diesel which can only achieve 240 g/kwh.

When you factor in the VW 1.9's being fitted to small cars, the fuel economy is fantastic.

[Dyno247365]

what about on small trucks? What engines are good for them?

[KiwiBacon]

Originally Posted by Dyno247365

what about on small trucks? What engines are good for them?

What do you mean by "small truck"?
It means different things to different people.