dculkin:
OK, I understand the premise of your statement regarding the energy required for compression. The question it leaves me with is what is the effect on the actual power stroke? Meaning, the resultant pressure in the cylinder would be less at ignition given your argument. Less pressure would yield less power, right? What effect would that have on power going "to the wheels"?

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick