[QUOTE=R Leo] Face it, on a good day, a 617.952 (300 turbo) only has 70-90 hp and 125 ft/lbs torque at the rear wheels. Not exactly a powerhouse!!!!
QUOTE]

My copy of the 1985 300D Turbo owner's manual states 123 bhp; doesn't specify torque rating but I believe I read somewhere it was 170 ft/lbs.

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'02 BMW 325i
'85 300D 450k
'93 190E 2.6 170k(killed by tree)
'08 Ducati Hypermotard 1100S 6k
'06 Ducati S2R800 14k(sold)

Thought about this stickshift thing too...I also believe it is related to the turbo boost dropping away when you let up on the accelerator to shift gears.
Anyone who has a boost gauge on their turbo diesel auto sees what I am talking about....the engine RPM changes due to shift and the boost drops accordingly...no dips and dives to zero.

Also the auto tranny behind the turbo diesels, atlesat the porsche version, has a faster 0-60 time than the manual.
I would still love a stickshift though...maybe I will get a 240D someday
I have my eye on one....and I used to drive a VW bug so I know slow