Larry, you're absolutely right on the torque. I would say all modern turbodiesels feel faster than they really are, especially if you don't rev them very high. They have a very narrow power band and in the case of my TDI the meat of the torque is approx. between 1800 and 2500 RPM. After that the torque noticeably starts to drop off.

Regarding the belt, it does have the advantage that it doesn't stretch and some even say it's easier to replace than a chain. Maybe not a 240D chain, but I don't think the chain is all that easy to replace on a CDI or Bluetec. Even on my OM606 the valve cover alone would be a pain to remove with all the injector lines in the way and to remove those the entire intake manifold has to come off too. A 240D valve cover on the other hand is a piece of cake to remove.

I'm not anti-FWD like you. It has its pluses, like better traction in snow and no differential/driveshaft to maintain. But worse weight distribution and torque steer can be issues to some.

__________________
2004 VW Jetta TDI (manual)

Past MB's: '96 E300D, '83 240D, '82 300D, '87 300D, '87 420SEL