Ok, I once owned a 220D Mercedes and base my diesel knowledge on what I learned from that experience. The engine was fine and the car was a very comfortable cruiser and smooth shifting. However the engine really lacked pulling power on hills and needed constant down and up shifting. I've noted that there are those that would like to see diesels in Jeeps here. They stink and I can't see any advantage! Someone please explain.

 

If the diesel is equipped with a turbo it turns into a different animal altogether, increasing the horsepower and especially the torque. If you put a turbo diesel into a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick you would have reasonable performance and fuel mileage you could live with It would still stink though.

 

are you referring to a 220D Merc from the late '70s? Diesels have some a long way since then. Now days, smaller displacement with higher HP and TQ are common without the stink. The advantages of todays diesels is fuel economy.