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Compare 2011
Diesel and Bio-Diesel Vehicles on the Market
 Diesel
vehicles may be making a comeback. Diesel engines are more
powerful and fuel-efficient than similar-sized gasoline
engines (about 30-35% more fuel efficient). Plus, today's
diesel vehicles are much improved over diesels of the past.
Improved fuel injection and electronic engine control technologies
have increased power, improved acceleration and increased
efficiency. New engine designs, along with noise- and vibration-damping
technologies, have made them quieter and smoother. Cold-weather
starting has been improved also.
Today's
diesels must meet the same emissions standards as gasoline
vehicles. Advances in engine technologies, ultra-low sulfur
diesel fuel, and improved exhaust treatment have made this
possible. Although emissions of particulates and smog-forming
nitrogen oxides (NOx) are still relatively high, new "clean"
diesel fuels, such as ultra-low sulfur diesel and biodiesel,
and advances in emission control technologies will reduce
these pollutants also.
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Biodiesel Compared to Petroleum Diesel
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Advantages
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Disadvantages
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Domestically produced from non-petroluem, renewable
resources
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Can be used in most diesel engines, especially
newer ones
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Less air pollutants (other than nitrogen oxides)
and greenhouse gases
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Biodegradable
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Non-toxic
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Safer to handle
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Use of blends above B5 not yet warrantied by
auto makers
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Lower fuel economy and power (10% lower for
B100, 2% for B20)
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Currently more expensive
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More nitrogen oxide emissions
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B100 generally not suitable for use in low temperatures
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Concerns about B100's impact on engine durability
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Biodiesel
is a form of diesel fuel manufactured from vegetable oils,
animal fats, or recycled restaurant greases. It is safe,
biodegradable, and produces less air pollutants than petroleum-based
diesel. In many ways, biodiesel is the perfect fuel for
buses and trucks. It produces fewer polluting emissions,
supplies of it can be renewed indefinitely, and because
feedstock materials can be grown domestically, use of it
can help bolster the U.S. economy while lessening this country?s
dependence on foreign petroleum products.
Biodiesel
can be used in its pure form (B100) or blended with petroleum
diesel. Common blends include B2 (2% biodiesel), B5, and
B20. B2 and B5 can be used safely in most diesel engines.
However, most vehicle manufacturers do not recommend using
blends greater than B5, and engine damage caused by higher
blends is not covered by some manufacturer warranties.
|
Year
|
Model (Trims)
|
Type
|
MSRP*
|
Fuel Econ.
|
|
2011
|
Audi A3 2.0 TDI (6) |
Sedan |
$30,250 |
42/30 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
Audi Q7 3.0 TDI Quattro (3) |
SUV |
$50,900 |
25/17 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
BMW 3 Series Sedan 335d (5) |
Sedan |
$43,950 |
36/23 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
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BMW X5 xDrive 35d (5) |
SUV |
$51,300 |
26/19 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
Chevy Express CargoVan 3500
RWD (10) |
Van |
$42,180 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Chevy Express PassengerVan 3500
LS (14) |
Van |
$46,375 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Dodge Ram 3500 CrewCab 4X2 SLT
(6) |
Truck |
$44,015 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Dodge Ram 3500 CrewCab 4X4 ST(6) |
Truck |
$42,375 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Dodge Ram 3500 MegaCab 4X2 (2) |
Truck |
$44,515 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Dodge Ram 3500 MegaCab 4X4 (2) |
Truck |
$51,465 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Ford F-450 SD CrewCab 4X4 (4) |
Truck |
$57,395 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
GMC Savana CargoVan G2500 RWD
(10) |
Van |
$37,975 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
GMC Savana PassengerVan LS G3500
RWD (14) |
Van |
$44,505 |
-- |
|
|
|
2011
|
Mercedes-Benz E-Class E350 BlueTEC
(9) |
Sedan |
$50,900 |
33/22 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
Mercedes-Benz M-Class M350 BlueTEC
(5) |
SUV |
$50,490 |
25/18 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
Mercedes-Benz R-Class R350 BlueTEC
4MATIC(5) |
Sedan |
$51,740 |
24/18 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class GL350
BlueTEC (3) |
SUV |
$60,950 |
21/17 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
VW Golf 2.0L 4 Door TDI (4) |
Sedan |
$23,435 |
41/30 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
VW Jetta SportWagen TDI (3) |
Wagon |
$25,830 |
42/30 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
VW Jetta Sedan TDI w/ Nav. (10) |
Sedan |
$24,195 |
42/30 mpg |
|
|
|
2011
|
VW Touareg V6 TDI (3) |
SUV |
-- |
28/19 mpg |
|
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*
Base price
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