The most reliable diesel engine made in Japan. The best diesel engine for a passenger car Power 100 horsepower diesel engines

Diesel engines for cars are different, and it’s not just the volume and number of cylinders, so let’s try to briefly review the modern market and find out which engines are the most reliable.

Who did the ratings give the lead?

Associations with the word “diesel” for a resident of Russia are always clear: the smell of diesel fuel from a passenger bus, black fumes from a passing truck, vintage jeans and watches from the brand of the same name. Nevertheless, for most Europeans, the word, which comes from the name of the German inventor, is synonymous with the reliable, inexpensive and powerful “heart” of a car. In our country, its popularity is not so high, apparently due to weather conditions and the knowledge that diesel fuel thickens in the cold.

Reliability ratings, and especially for cars, are a thankless task. There are as many opinions as there are lists in which the compiler simply expresses his view on a particular subject. That is why we would like to draw your attention to the fact that the rating below does not pretend to become an indisputable truth, but is just an attempt to systematize data, knowledge and (partially) the personal point of view of the compiler.

In search of an answer to the question of which diesel engine occupies a leading position in the configuration of passenger cars, you will notice that some ratings name the best products from the Mercedes and BMW concerns. However, the situation in the world of the automotive industry today is somewhat different, let’s try to figure it out.

As the ratings of the world's major automobile showrooms show, the times when diesel engines of passenger cars were smaller copies of units installed on heavy trucks are a thing of the past. The well-known Volkswagen concern, which developed the 1.9 TDI engine, was especially successful in producing such engines. Today it ranks first and is considered the most balanced in terms of dynamics and power.

Thanks to the latest engineering solutions, in particular, an updated turbine and increased pressure in the combustion chambers, it was possible not only to achieve unique environmental characteristics, but also to reduce. Moreover, the power remained at the same level (90–120 hp). The newest cars of the Passat series are now equipped with an engine with maximum performance (BlueMotion equipment). Fuel consumption is 3.3 liters per 100 km.

Diesel winners of the car market

Second place is occupied by a modification of the engine with three turbines, owned by the German company BMW. This unit was presented for the first time a few years ago. It has 6 cylinders and, having a volume of 3.0 liters, is capable of developing a power of 381 hp. With. The latest 5 and 7 series cars, as well as heavy crossovers with the X5 and X6 indices, are equipped with these engines. It is equipped with a modification of convertibles with serial number 6. However, it has two turbines, due to which the power is reduced to 313 hp. With.

Not long ago, potential buyers were presented with cars whose engines have four turbines, and with a torque of 800 Nm, the power will be in the range of 390–406 hp. With.

A car with a four-turbine engine

The third place in our rating was taken by the American industrial diesel engine company Cummins, which produced a super-boosted engine commissioned by the famous Dodge company. To be fair, it should be noted that overseas manufacturers did not pay too much attention to diesel engines, preferring to develop gasoline ones. However, the recent increasing demand for cars with units that consume diesel fuel has forced them to turn their attention to the production of diesel engines.

The model proved to be quite powerful (240–275 hp), but in an attempt to occupy the “diesel” niche in the market, the Americans lied and passed off the Italian concern Fiat as their development. The Maserati Ghibli was equipped with a model of such an engine, but due to the crisis, production was transferred to US industrialists.

This engine was recognized not only as the most environmentally friendly, but also the most innovative: in its production, metals used in the space industry and plasma fuel purification filters were used. The fact that the engine took only third place is due to its narrow focus. It is installed only on sports cars and Dodge Ram pickups. In terms of efficiency, it can give a head start to its competitors: consumption is only 8.5 liters per 100 kilometers.

Who is not far behind the top three?

The Koreans, who burst into the global automobile market 20 years ago, not only managed to take a worthy place in it, but also “move up” in the ranking of Japanese giants. Having come a long way “from electric kettles to mining dump trucks,” they also do not want to miss out on their benefits, which are promised by the increased demand for cars equipped with diesel engines.

As always, Asian manufacturers acted very cunningly: not wanting to overhaul production and compete with Europeans and Americans in the power of units, they managed to create a 1.7 liter engine that can produce 110–136 hp. With. Don’t rush to wrinkle your nose contemptuously! With such rather modest data (compared to products from other manufacturers), the Hyundai diesel engine has such incredible torque that it is not inferior in dynamics to gasoline units with a power of 150–170 hp. With.

It must be said that the Hyundai i40, supplied to the European market, is equipped with such a unit. In Korea, diesel engines have somehow not found widespread use (or the wave of “fashion” has not yet reached there), and therefore they are so far installed only on export cars. Recently, the same unit appeared on a crossover with the ix35 index, and now it is equipped in such popular cars as Grandeur and Sonata. Fuel consumption, however, is higher than that of competitors, but the Koreans are not trying to surprise anyone. Their mission is to deliver reliable workhorses capable of average fuel consumption, in this case 5.5 liters per 100 km.

Having “squeezed” a sufficient amount of power out of cars and won its own cell in the market, the Japanese concern Toyota now has no point in proving anything to anyone. The concept that manufacturers have devoted all their efforts to is ecology and economy while maintaining sufficient power. And they succeeded. When creating an engine for their compact car called Urban Cruiser, they thought about making it not only convenient for residents of megacities to move around the city, but also not having a “calculator” in their heads that calculates fuel costs.

One of the smallest diesel units today is a 1.4 liter engine with a power of only 90 hp. With. This is fifth place in our ranking. Such parameters, however, do not interfere with the creation of torque, which makes it easy to “pull” an all-wheel drive vehicle. Diesel fuel consumption, depending on the travel mode, ranges from 4 to 6 liters per 100 km.

So which one is the most reliable?

This question is a little naive, since this parameter depends on many factors, including driving style. But if you choose the best from the above list, then the championship in reliability will be given to the American Cummins with a Dodge engine.

And it’s not about power or fuel consumption per 100 km. Most likely, the materials used in production play a role. The cylinder block is made of high-carbon cast iron, capable of withstanding not only high pressure, but also significant temperature conditions. And its pistons are made of a special aluminum alloy, which is used in spacecraft parts. This means that they are able to withstand both long-term operation under extreme conditions and a sharp increase in load when changing speed.

The engine is also equipped with a Common Rail fuel injection system, which, despite a rather capricious attitude towards the quality of diesel fuel, not only significantly saves its consumption, but also plays a decisive role in reducing engine noise. Both sports cars and off-road vehicles are equipped with these engines. That is, precisely those examples of the automotive industry whose operation occurs in extreme conditions, requiring from the engine not only unsurpassed power, but also impeccable reliability.

If we talk about the rating of cars that are suitable for Russian roads, it is best to pay attention to Japanese-made models. It won’t necessarily be a Toyota (by the way, not a single Russian car enthusiast has any complaints about its engine).

For our vast expanses, Mazda, Honda, Nissan or the newly revived Datsun will do just fine. The Subaru showed itself to be very good in operation.

The fact is that European cars equipped with a diesel engine are very sensitive to our diesel fuel, the quality of cleaning of which leaves much to be desired. As numerous reviews from car owners show, Japanese cars are less susceptible to malfunctions when using diesel fuel, thanks to numerous cleaning devices, electronic devices and built-in pre-heaters that prevent diesel fuel from freezing at low temperatures.

Today, many car owners are asking the question: “How to save on fuel?” On the Internet you can find hundreds of ways to do this. But let's tell you a secret, 99% of them are completely useless. The only decent way to save on fuel is to buy a car with low fuel consumption. In this review we will look at most economical diesel cars.

10. Ford Focus

Focus is one of the most popular car models in our country. The updated version has changed not only the appearance, but also the power plants. The diesel engine has undergone a number of changes that have improved not only its characteristics “on paper”, but also its performance. Engineers of this American brand have improved engine efficiency through multi-point fuel injection under pressure. The fuel pump configuration has been changed, making it more efficient. Modern Ford Focus diesel engine, 1.5 liter, with an average consumption of 4.1 liters per 100 km. allows you to experience real savings. Now its cost pays off faster, which means this model can be considered in our list of the most economical diesel cars.

9. Renault Captur

Renault Captur is assembled in Russia on the basis of Duster. It has large clearance and good cross-country ability. Owners note the comfortable handling and spacious interior. We can thank the developers of this model for the design of this car. It is clear that it is primarily aimed at the younger generation. But the “Russian” Captur is not equipped with a diesel engine. For the European market, Reno supplies models with a power unit running on diesel fuel. But this is a completely different model. It is developed on the basis of Clio and is equipped with a 1.5-liter diesel engine, which in ECO mode consumes 3.5-4 liters per 100 km.

Mercedes A-Class is a fairly reliable and economical car. Even despite its appearance, which is not the most traditional for cars from Stuttgart, this class of models aroused the love of both practical Germans and Russians. Mercedes A-Class in diesel version is equipped with different power units, the minimum has a volume of 1.5 liters and has good reliability. In addition, such an engine allows you to significantly save on fuel. The consumption of this “German” is only about 4 liters. per 100 km.

The Peugeot 308 is one of the most economical diesel cars with an average consumption of 3.8 liters. The updated model has a more attractive design. The car turned out to be more collected and purposeful. The recognizable radiator grille, original headlight shapes and other features of this car were a success for its designers. As for the power unit, the diesel version has a volume of 1.6 liters. allows owners of this type of “fawn” to save up to 15-20%. This is carried out when the engine is idling, accelerating and braking. Owners of the 308 model also note that their favorite car starts easily even in “critical” frosts.

The modern Astra is one of the most popular cars on the secondary market. The car has several modifications. For those who cover more than 10 thousand kilometers a year, the best option would be to purchase this “German” with a 1.7 CDTi diesel engine. This modification of the power unit allows the car to be more dynamic, but at the same time save fuel. The only negative is the noisy operation of this engine model.

The number of economical cars with a diesel engine includes the BMW 1 Series. The average consumption of the car during moderate driving will not exceed 4 liters per 100 km. The design of the updated version causes a lot of controversy, but this does not prevent this car from being one of the best in its class. Adaptive suspension, leather interior and many other options make this car the best choice in the automotive market. It is also worth noting that in its class, the BMW 1 Series is the only decent car with rear-wheel drive and an 8-speed gearbox. But the main advantage of the Bavarian is its diesel engine. It is economical and very reliable.

The small Mini One D couldn't help but make it onto our list of the most economical diesel cars. BMW, which has been producing the Mini One for 16 years, has been able to make significant progress with the new model not only in terms of efficiency, but also in reducing harmful emissions. It must be said that after the problems with Volkswagen, a lot of attention is paid to this indicator in Europe. As for the appearance, it follows the 1959 Mini Cooper. The appearance has been adapted to modern realities, but the basic concept has not changed. Under the hood is a 3-cylinder 1.5-liter engine with an average consumption of 3.6 liters per hundred kilometers. It develops a power of 116 horsepower and can easily cope with the problem of moving the owner from home to work or to the store.

Opens the top three most fuel-efficient diesel cars Kia Rio. This inexpensive car for middle-income families will not only cost less than other representatives on this list, but will also be cheap to maintain. And thanks to various modifications, everyone will be able to choose a Rio for themselves according to their needs. The car has a quite decent appearance and a cozy interior. Sound insulation deserves a special mention. She's on top. Also respectable is the 1.6-liter engine, which has great power for this category. But at the same time, fuel consumption remains at a fairly low level. For those who want to save as much as possible, there is an option with a 1.1-liter engine, which will consume on average 3.6 l/100 km.

The Citroen C4 Cactus is one of the most economical diesel cars on the market. This extravagant and unusual car is unlikely to appeal to the stronger half of humanity, but for the ladies it is just right. And it's not just the appearance of this Citroen model. French engineers equipped the Cactus with a rather weak engine. And this is its main disadvantage. But this car has low consumption (on average 3.5 l/100 km) and will not put a big strain on the family budget. Especially if the husband and wife have two cars. The Citroen C4 Cactus will definitely appeal to women and those who are just starting to transition from pedestrians to car enthusiasts.

The Opel Corsa hatchback takes 1st place in our ranking of economical diesel cars. The latest model is free from many of the shortcomings of previous versions. The design of the car has become more rapid. The appearance correlates with both a business woman and a respectable man. And the engine power allows you to feel comfortable both on the highway and in the bustle of the city. But of course, the main trump card of the Opel Corsa is its efficiency - only 3.2 l/100 km on average. The car not only consumes little fuel, but also emits a minimum of harmful substances into the atmosphere. As for the comfort of driving this “German” with French admixtures, it is worth highlighting the high-quality suspension. The sound insulation was a bit let down. But can this minus outweigh the many objective advantages of the car? In addition, it has increased safety.

Many car enthusiasts cannot understand why exactly a diesel car is more economical than a gasoline car. Moreover, with the modern cost of gasoline and diesel, which are almost equal to each other. The whole secret lies in the efficiency of the diesel engine itself, which consumes significantly less fuel with the same working volume. The difference in consumption can reach twofold, this means. That at one gas station you can travel twice as far, especially since modern diesel units are comparable in technical parameters to gasoline ones.

Now, some may wonder about that. What's the point of buying gasoline-powered cars anyway? But even here, not everything is so smooth, initially, the diesel version of the car is somewhat more expensive than its gasoline counterparts, and maintenance has to be done more often, which leads to more expensive car maintenance. Therefore, a car running on diesel fuel will pay for itself only with long mileage and long-term use.

Peugeot 408

The car of this brand is equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel power unit that produces up to 113 horsepower. Fuel consumption is stated to be 6.2 liters. At the same time, it accelerates to 100 km/h in 11 seconds, which is not a bad result at a cost of 1,100,000 rubles.

The sedan received a spacious interior and good equipment, even more so. According to the company, servicing the car will not be expensive. At the same time, the car was fully adapted to operating conditions in Russian conditions.

Citroen C4

This is a car from the same automaker PSA. So does Peugeot. Therefore, it is equipped with the same 1.6-liter diesel unit, but with reduced fuel consumption. In this car, consumption is reduced to an astonishing 4.4 liters, but the acceleration to 100 km/h is increased by 0.2 seconds. The cost of the car starts from 780,000 rubles.

The sedan from Citroen has a stylish exterior, high-quality assembly and a good range of options. Also, a robotic automatic transmission is available. But the declared fuel consumption in mixed mode is suspicious. If he is real. This is only in “greenhouse” conditions.

Opel Meriva

The car of the German automobile manufacturer, which is equipped with two versions of a diesel unit with a displacement of 1.7 liters, has a declared power of 110 and 100 horsepower, and fuel consumption is 6.4 liters. The engines are paired with a six-speed manual transmission or automatic transmission, and acceleration to “hundreds” takes 11.8 seconds.

The car has a comfortable and attractive interior, which can be complemented with various options. Also, an unusual for the modern world system of opening the rear doors is implemented - against the movement, which facilitates access to the interior. Unfortunately, Opel has left the automobile market in Russia, so only used cars are available for purchase.

Kia Soul

The car is equipped with a 1.6-liter diesel engine producing 128 horsepower. At the same time, per 100 kilometers in mixed mode the consumption is 7.4 liters. And the price tag starts from 820,000 rubles.

Kia Soul attracts attention with its extravagant exterior design, while it has a high-performance Korean-made diesel engine that competes with the best representatives of European manufacturers. The only negative is the poor design of the luggage compartment, which is not very convenient to use.

Volkswagen Golf

A popular representative of the German automotive industry, which has earned the love and recognition of consumers for its quality and reliability. It has at its disposal a diesel unit with a displacement of 2 liters and producing 110 horsepower. The power unit is paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The declared diesel fuel consumption is 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers. Unfortunately, there is no information on the new generation diesel versions on the official website of the Russian division.

This is a reference example of a car in its class that deserves attention. The diesel engine does not impress with its power, but remains relevant to this day. Of the minuses. You can note the lack of an automatic transmission and the high cost of additional options. And also, difficulties in finding a car on the secondary market.

Ford Focus

It can be called one of the most popular cars in Russia, but the diesel version sells a little worse than its gasoline counterpart. The package includes a diesel unit with two liters of displacement and 140 horsepower. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 9.5 seconds, and consumption does not exceed 6.8 liters in mixed mode. The price of the car in the diesel version was from 850,000 rubles, but the new generation does not have a diesel version.

The version with a diesel unit is one of the most dynamic cars in its price segment. Also, there is a choice of body type and many trim levels. This is a decent choice for a diesel car.

Hyundai i30 Wagon

A Korean car with a 1.6-liter diesel unit producing 128 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The stated fuel consumption is 7.9 liters per 100 kilometers in mixed mode, and acceleration to “hundreds” takes 11.7 seconds. In the new line of cars, Russian dealers do not have a diesel version, but this is not a problem if you were going to purchase a used car. At the time of sales, the cost of the diesel version started at 900,000 rubles.

Station wagons were equipped with a diesel unit, which is very logical for practical cars. Fuel economy with body practicality is a guarantee of popularity in its segment of the automotive market.

Peugeot 3008

Not the cheapest car, which is a little beyond the scope of the article, but it cannot be ignored. The price of a car in a diesel version starts from 1,600,000 rubles. The package includes a diesel unit with a displacement of 1.6 liters and 112 horsepower. At the same time, fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is 5.2 liters, and acceleration to 100 km/h will take 12.6 seconds.

The car is presented to the public as a crossover, but at its core it is a compact van with the character of a crossover. It is distinguished by a comfortable and spacious interior, with a large luggage compartment. The package includes a six-speed automatic transmission and a fairly stiff suspension.

Skoda Octavia Combi

Also. One of the most popular cars in its class, which is equipped with a two-liter diesel engine with 140 horsepower. The engine is paired with a six-speed automatic robotic gearbox, which allows the station wagon to accelerate to 100 km/h in 8.3 seconds. At the same time, consumption does not exceed 7.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in mixed mode.

This car is qualitatively different from similar station wagons due to its good dynamics and high-quality and thoughtful interior design. The car is equipped with the only option of an automatic preselective gearbox DSG. It also has a spacious luggage compartment of 580 liters, and the price starts from 1,650,000 rubles.

Volkswagen Touran

A representative of German compact vans who wants to be a crossover. It is equipped with a reliable diesel unit with a displacement of 2 liters and a power of 110 horsepower. There is a variety in the choice of transmissions. Which is represented by a mechanical and robotic six-speed preselective gearbox. The declared fuel consumption of 6.8 liters per hundred kilometers justifies the cost of the car. The price for the diesel version starts from 1,440,000 rubles.

Like most cars from the German manufacturer, the compact van from VolksWagen is distinguished by its thoughtful interior and build quality. Also, there is a seven-seater package, which retains the convenience of using the interior, but deprives the car of a trunk.

This was the first part of an article about inexpensive diesel cars on the Russian market; you can read the continuation here.

Back in 1991, they were used in only 15% of passenger cars. Then they could not be a significant competitor to gasoline ones and had practically no advantages. But by 2015, they had won more than half of the market and became the most popular, because new diesel models have become more powerful, more economical, and more reliable.

Now the share of diesel engines has fallen somewhat, and a scandal with Volkswagen due to inaccurate information regarding emissions of harmful substances played a significant role in this. However, they are still in demand and occupy 45% of the market. They are used where gasoline engines cannot provide the required power with acceptable fuel consumption, for example, in SUVs.

Advantages and disadvantages of diesel engines

The best diesel engines for passenger cars have significant advantages over their gasoline counterparts:

1. Economical - they consume much less fuel. Savings can reach 40%, which makes maintaining a car more profitable even now, when the cost of diesel fuel is slightly higher than the cost of gasoline.
2. Durability – not so long ago such motors had a short lifespan. Modern models can easily cover 500-600 thousand kilometers.
3. Simple design. Unlike gasoline engines, there is no complex ignition system and some other components that often cause problems.

Of course, there are also disadvantages:

1. Sensitivity to fuel quality. Even the best diesel engine can be easily damaged by bad fuel - you will have to change the injectors.
2. Maintenance is required periodically, more often than for gasoline engines. Because of this, the maintenance of such a car increases somewhat.
3. The sound during operation is not as quiet and pleasant as that of a gasoline one. On the other hand, some people like the growl of a powerful engine.
4. Warming up in winter takes longer.
5. Environmental friendliness is generally comparable, but recently the standards have become more stringent, and not all motor manufacturers can meet them. Therefore, the number of diesel cars has decreased.

These disadvantages are quite relative and solvable - gasoline engines have their own unpleasant moments. Therefore, diesel engines continue to gain popularity throughout the world. Nowadays, many models have been released that are superior to their gasoline counterparts in many respects. Let's look at the best of them.

Top best diesel engines

The engines are all different and if you compare all their characteristics, it is unlikely that you will be able to identify the best contender. Some have better parameters, while others have others. In addition, they have different designs and different volumes. Therefore, we will choose the best representatives of diesel engines that have proven themselves to be the best.

Volkswagen 1.6 TDI

The TDI diesel engine, developed by Volkswagen engineers, remains unrivaled. It is the most economical. With a volume of 1.6 liters, the designers managed to significantly reduce the engine’s appetite, while maintaining power, 90-120 hp. With. in different modifications.

The 1.6 TDI engine uses a common rail injection system, Bosh injectors and a variable geometry turbocharger. Thanks to the increased pressure in the fuel supply system, it was possible to achieve fuel consumption of only 4.5 l/100 km. And this is while driving slowly around the city. On the highway, this engine shows a much better result - 3.5 l/100 km according to the passport, but in reality it can be close to 3 liters.

The 1.6 TDI diesel was used in many cars of the Volkswagen, Audi, Scoda brands. Its estimated resource is 350,000 kilometers.

BMW M57

This engine is included in the ranking of the 10 best diesel engines as the most powerful. One of the modifications of this 6-cylinder engine developed a power of 380 hp. With. and a torque of 800 Nm. This, of course, will please fans of powerful BMW models, but such an engine is not used in ordinary production cars - they are weaker, by 150 horses. Although most competitors don’t even have that. Range Rover SUVs and the BMW 330D used options up to 286 hp. With.

This motor is created using proprietary modular technology. It serves for a very long time and up to 600 thousand kilometers, but its repair requires considerable investment. However, it is also one of the most reliable in the world in terms of service life; many old cars with this engine have been running on the roads for a couple of decades.

Hyundai/Kia D4FB (1.6 CRDi)

The Korean development is distinguished by its simplicity of design, so it is an unpretentious and reliable engine, but it is demanding on fuel quality. However, it uses all modern technologies - Common Rail fuel system from Bosh, variable geometry turbocharging, Swirl Control Valve? And much more.

This engine is ahead of most competitors in terms of reliability, while it has low fuel consumption and starts easily in cold weather. It is also quieter than other diesel engines.

Fiat 2.0 JTD

Fiat diesel engines have earned recognition all over the world, and the JTD line, which appeared in the mid-90s of the last century, turned out to be so successful that it was used in many European cars, and then in some American ones. An Italian company that produces mediocre cars has developed one of the best diesel engines in the world.

With regular maintenance, OEB series engines last a very long time without losing power. It is used in Alfa Romeo cars of various models, Suzuki SX4, Chevrolet Malibu, and many others.

Toyota 1ND-TV

Toyota developed its diesel engine independently. The result is one of the best diesel engines for small passenger cars. It has a power of 55 hp. With. for every liter of volume and easily covers 500 thousand kilometers. Its dynamics are excellent, and its environmental characteristics are very good even by modern standards, although it was developed back in 2002.

Based on this diesel engine, installed on the popular Honda Civic and Accord models, a newer 2.2 i-DTEC was developed, which turned out to be no less successful.

Volvo D5

This company did not have its own diesel engine for a long time and used the developments of other companies. In 2001, a motor of its own production was created. It turned out to be very successful and durable - it easily covers 700 thousand kilometers without loss of performance, of course, with proper care.

This motor was used for Volvo C80, Volvo B70 and some others.

conclusions

Recently, due to stricter environmental requirements, the share of diesel engines on the market has been decreasing. But the best models show excellent performance, and engineers continue to work to improve the design. And although gasoline engines are more common, there is still a need for diesel engines, especially where efficiency and power are required. This means that they will not leave the stage completely soon.

Diesel engines are initially considered the most reliable. When choosing a car with a similar power unit, you need to focus on its optimal technical parameters.

When choosing the best diesel engine for Russia, you can count on the successful realization of its potential. Experts note that older generations of diesel engines are distinguished by their simple design and safety margin.

Review of top units

Which engine models have gone down in history and proven themselves to be the best? First of all, the answer relates to German products, which have a well-known quality and can satisfy all quality standards.

Mercedes-Benz OM602

The OM602 diesel engine is considered one of the best. Main characteristics:

• 5 cylinders;
• 2 valves per cylinder;
• Mechanical fuel injection pump.

The three principles listed above allow the unit to maintain a leading position in terms of mileage and resistance to operational tests. Diesel engines were produced in 1985-2002, which indicates their reliability.

The main advantages were reliability and efficiency. At the same time, the power was comparable to the average - 90-130 horsepower.

The previous generation was OM617. The successors, namely OM612, OM647, have also earned a high level of popularity.

Motors are actively installed on the following cars:

• Mercedes in the body of W124, W201, W210;
• G-class SUVs;
• vans T1, Sprinter.

Advice! The list of the best diesel SUV engines includes the Mercedes-Benz OM602, as well as its two successors - OM612, OM647.

BMW M57

Bavarian BMW engines have managed to gain a high level of popularity and an ideal reputation. All 6-cylinder units were reliable and had decent power ratings. The cars could accelerate from 201 to 286 horsepower.

The engines were produced between 199 and 2008, and they were successfully installed on the majority of Bavarian cars. All famous BMW models were pleased with the presence of the M57 diesel engine. In addition, they can be found on Range Rover.

The ancestor also turned out to be a real legend - M51. Its release was carried out in 1991-2000. As you can understand, the Bavarian manufacturer BMW has accumulated very good experience, which is now being actively used in the development of diesel engines.

Experts note reliability, because serious breakdowns are rare. The mileage reaches 350-500 thousand kilometers, which is a significant indicator.

Volkswagen diesels

Experienced motorists are trying to find out which best Volkswagen diesel engines have gone down in history and become a real legend. Representatives of one of the most famous automobile corporations in the world made every effort to please their admirers with a worthy offer.

Volkswagen employees carefully studied how fuel economy affects engine technical parameters, ride reliability, and control quality.

The 1.6 TDI engine is considered the best, because it was its technical parameters that allowed the power unit to take the golden mean. The model replaced the 1.9-liter modification, which was previously actively used.

The manufacturer did the following: the pressure in the fuel cylinders was increased while simultaneously saving fuel. The power characteristics were left the same: 90-120 horsepower.

Experts note that cars with a 1.6 TDI engine are ready to be among the most economical in the world. Official data shows: 3.3 liters of diesel fuel is required for every 100 kilometers. As you might guess, these indicators are among the most attractive.

The 1.6 TDI diesel engine is successfully used in the following cars:

• Golf hatchback;
• Tiguan crossover.

Subsidiaries of the automobile concern, namely Audi, Skoda, SEAT, actively use this engine. If you are wondering which diesel engine is better than an Audi, you can safely choose the 1.6 TDI version.

Toyota 3S-FE engines

Toyota 3S-FE is one of the most worthy engines, reliable and unpretentious. The Japanese development has managed to gain a high level of popularity thanks to the following parameters:

• 2 liter volume;
• 4 cylinders;
• 16 valves.

Despite the typical characteristics, they became the basis for the development of a better diesel unit. In addition, the power indicator was truly pleasing: 128-140 horsepower. The parameters were sufficient for successful car trips.

The successful performance of the motor confirms its long production: 1986-2000. Subsequently, the engine was updated to two modifications: 3S-GE, 3S-GTE. Both updated versions are ready to please with a reliable design and a decent resource.

Diesel engines were installed on the following cars:

• Camry;
• Celice T200;
• Carina;
• Corona T170/T190;
• Avensis;
• RAV4;
• Picnic;
• Caldina;
• Altezza.

When wondering whether the Japanese manufacturer offers a good diesel engine for the Rav-4, one can note numerous positive responses. Even car experts note that the power unit is able to adequately withstand significant loads, with the result that serious breakdowns are surprisingly rare. Additional advantages include ease of repair and thoughtful design, which allows you to quickly repair any breakdowns. Good maintenance allows you to aim for a mileage of up to 500,000 kilometers without major repairs.

Despite the fact that many diesel units have gone down in history and have won an ideal reputation, you need to understand how they differ from gasoline engines.

Which is better, gasoline or diesel engines?

When studying the best diesel engines for passenger cars, it is important to understand what their advantages are. The usual comparison of gasoline and diesel units will help with this.

The use of diesel fuel immediately provides significant savings. This is due to the difference in compression ratio: diesel - 21 units, gasoline - 10. The compression ratio determines the efficiency, and therefore the fuel consumption, taking into account the distance covered. In addition, diesel engines provide for successful adjustment of the working mixture, guaranteeing the flow of the same amount of air into all cylinders. At the same time, even maximum power allows you to rely on a minimum volume of injected fuel, which leads to decent diesel economy.

The stability of diesel units is determined by the resistance of the air filter, which affects the air required to fill the cylinders. Correct adjustment of the injection start pressure allows you to increase the service life of engines. At the same time, diesel units require less adjustment than their gasoline competitors.

The reliability and stability of engine operation is determined by the following aspects:

• air filter control;
• temperature at which the power unit operates.

Important! Initially, diesel engines have a long service life, since their elements are made of durable and rigid materials. The use of high-quality fuel with pronounced lubricating characteristics will allow the power unit to be used longer. Experts note that even the best diesel engine in the world requires a responsible approach to its maintenance.

Disadvantages of units may appear while the engines are running. The disadvantages include greater weight, less power compared to gasoline counterparts, noise due to high pressure in the cylinders used, and difficulty starting the car at sub-zero temperatures. The risk of diesel engine malfunctions appears after the device has traveled 100,000 kilometers. Over time, engine components still wear out, so maintenance is as important as understanding the service life limit. Otherwise, the car will not be able to develop optimal power and speed. Most often, the cause of repairs is increased oil consumption, which can be determined by a change in the color of the smoke released from the exhaust pipe.

Summary

Recently, diesel engines have deservedly gained popularity. When wondering which diesel engine is better, it is advisable to pay attention only to the products of well-known automobile corporations. Only the best manufacturers offer reliable motors that allow you to develop optimal technical parameters in the shortest possible time.

Advantages of diesel engines:

• optimal power;
• resistance to traction forces;
• fuel economy;
• long service life thanks to a reliable and simple design;
• saving on fuel use.

Disadvantages are also present:

• difficulty starting the car at low air temperatures;
• the need to regularly change engine oil;
• increased requirements for the quality of fuel used.

When choosing the best diesel engine for your car, it is advisable to take into account the technical parameters that determine the possibility of using the engine. A unit that matches the car’s parameters becomes the best choice.