I find it quite interesting how I have heard claims of such excellent mileage figures from "egging" our old diesels. Perhaps this gearing is one of the main reasons the CDI's are so economical.

Consider this: In a US spec(2.65 w/0.83 OD) E320CDI, 70 mph is only 2K on the tach. The peak torque of these cars ranges from 1800 - 2600 rpm. 40 mpg? Impossible to achieve? Maybe not, if conditions are ideal.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)