Comparison to the V8 Engine

Fig 1: Diesel Versus V8 Engine - Power Output Comparison Graph

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

The familiar N62B48O1 has impressive horsepower output but, even with 8-cylinders, it does not have the torque output of the M57 diesel engine.

Overall, these engine output graphs illustrate that the diesel has very specific characteristics especially with regard to torque output.

Vehicles with diesel engines are adapted to suit these torque characteristics with an upgraded torque converter and a rear axle gear ratio which allows the full utilization of the output curve.

In short, the new BMW diesel engine exceeds all of the currently available gasoline engines up to an engine speed of about 4000 RPM.