maybe because diesels are also run at lower speeds, with their torque down there in the lower rpms.

i believe the ignition of a diesel fuel charge is more violent than that of a spark ignition engine. It depends on compression for ignition, which in a gas engine is pre-ignition, which causes knocking or pinging. Hence diesels are inherently noisier - they are constantly knocking. But most are overdesigned and last very long.

an other question would be: why are industrial, marine and long-haul transport engines diesel? Is it because of their reliability and relative simplicity of operation? Or maybe their high-torque, low-rpm application?

and where does the charm of a benz diesel come from? Is it the way it gathers steam then just cruises? Is it the smell of diesel fuel and fumes? I'm sure the sound of the engine is right up there in the list too. And of course the knowledge that is dead reliable. Or maybe it just fits the Benz character - solid, mature, reliable motoring, no need to be hurried.

I have never imagined myself buying a diesel car, but after reading all your posts, I am very tempted to buy an 85 300D Turbodiesel (someone stop me!). Preferably a wagon. (someone stop me!) In some shade of brown. (someone stop me!) Then i'll put Euro lamps (someone stop me!) ... But then i saw this Hunter Green turbodiesel wagon (someone stop me!) ...