As far as weight, my Dodge Ram has the Cummins diesel, the engine
weighs 1,000 lbs., give or take
a couple.

As for fuel economy, Dodge does not make a gas engine that will touch
this diesel.  I consistently
get 21+ mpg at highway speeds of 70 to 75 mph.  This is a 3/4 ton quad
cab truck.

Just my $.02.

Steve -in Michigan

Yes, but what is the mileage per pound of fuel?

Chris C.
microcosman.com/aircraft

Diesels do extremely well in automotive service and that includes empty
pick up trucks as the cruise HP is down around 20%. This is because diesels
will run extremely lean at low power. The throttle (there is none) is always wide open
and only enough fuel is injected to generate the low power required.  As
the HP increases towards 100% the fuel burn of the diesel and the gasoline
engine is much much closer. This is the case in aircraft engines.

According to Peter Garrison in his recent article in Flying magazine
the Renault aircraft diesel engine weighed 100 pounds more and burned
only one gallon less per hour. 25% more engine weight for 10% less fuel.
It only makes sense in Europe where the tax on diesel fuel is half
of what it is on gasoline.

Paul Lamar

More important at this time is the cost of driving to work and back.  I have a 92 mile round trip
everyday.  Diesel fuel here is $1.35 and gas is $1.56.  Yes, I could drive a Neon, but I like the
room in my truck.  I have 107,000 miles on it and it still runs as good as it did when it was
new.
This subject doesn't have any relevance to the rotary, so I think enough said on this.

Steve -in Michigan, 1988 13B, building Wittman Tailwind (tri gear)

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