Thread: TDi: manual Vs auto

Keep in mind that the 300Tdi needs a different driving style to the v8. Diesels have a narrow rev band and you have to change gears much earlier.

And they don't perform, until the engine is warmed up.

I have never driven an auto Tdi, so can only speak of the manuals.

When you accel in the lower gears, you may think it is gutless, but if you observe the rev counter you have probably run out of revs and have wasted time waiting for vehicle speed to increase, whereas you should have changed up to go faster.

I change up at about 3000 rpm (which is reached quicker than you expect). This is so revs in the next gear are above 2000. On a grade I may go closer to 3500, to allow for the natural road speed drop while changing gears.

Also, try a number of different vehicles to gauge how Tdi performs (incase you try a dud first up).