New GL twin: 2011 Durango
#26
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It's very difficult to change the split of diesel vs. gas vs. other components of a barrel of oil, and even when you can change it you can't change it by much. So small changes in diesel demand (ie a colder than normal winter) result in large changes in price (since the supply doesn't change easily or quickly).
- Mark
#27
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2011 QX56 (formerly '11 GL350)
Fuel is $$$ right now! Some stations as high as $4.55/gal!
http://www.californiagasprices.com/index.aspx?fuel=D This link, if you page down just a bit shows you our average prices right now in California, as of about 9 hours ago.
Last edited by TamZ; 03-02-2011 at 11:45 AM.
#29
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2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Because we're competing with heating oil in the winter, which is basically the same thing.
It's very difficult to change the split of diesel vs. gas vs. other components of a barrel of oil, and even when you can change it you can't change it by much. So small changes in diesel demand (ie a colder than normal winter) result in large changes in price (since the supply doesn't change easily or quickly).
It's very difficult to change the split of diesel vs. gas vs. other components of a barrel of oil, and even when you can change it you can't change it by much. So small changes in diesel demand (ie a colder than normal winter) result in large changes in price (since the supply doesn't change easily or quickly).
Plus, anywhere I've been in Europe, summer or winter, diesel is less than petrol. Always. And it's still like $.18/gal in many oil producing countries.
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2011 QX56 (formerly '11 GL350)
I remember when I was first driving, I remember gas was 99cents/gal and lower. (early 80's) For some of the older people around here, I'm sure they remember it even less but that seems to be about as low as I remember! (edit: Now I guess I must have been in a competition to see how many times i could fit the word "remember" in these sentences. sheesh.)
Last edited by TamZ; 03-02-2011 at 12:03 PM.
#31
Senior Member
Okay, Mark, I'll buy that if in the summer, here in Phoenix (where heating oil's used about as much as snowshoes), the price of diesel is routinely less than even super. Which it ain't. It used to be, but once they made it a "boutique" fuel by giving it the fancy appellation "ultra-low sulpher diesel", it suddenly became "special."
I bought a Duramax back in 2002. Diesel was nice and cheap. That lasted a year or two.
- Mark
#32
Super Member
Thread Starter
For me, it was a no brainer going diesel. Up here, a Diesel GL starts at $9,400 less than a 450, and fuel is up to $1.00 less than Super per imperial gallon.
I think it is a harder argument in the States. Unfortunately, most car manufacturers group us as the same market now, and we pretty much only get the Diesel cars you guys get. They even took away the diesel Smart!
I think it is a harder argument in the States. Unfortunately, most car manufacturers group us as the same market now, and we pretty much only get the Diesel cars you guys get. They even took away the diesel Smart!
#33
Senior Member
And NO ONE who's ridden in my GL350 has noticed that it's a diesel. Literally.
Easy decision!
- Mark
#35
Super Member
+1. You can quote diesel torque numbers all you want, but a 550 is a lot quicker than a 350, both in terms of absolute acceleration and in especially in terms of throttle response.
Last edited by EWT; 03-02-2011 at 06:34 PM.
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GL550
#39
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GL 320, 993TT, BMW 550XI
I was at Watkins Glen last summer and a supra Turbo was in my group. He would just blow past me on the straights but I catch up in the corners. I am a fan of the styling.
You are correct! In fact, it is much more fun driving a sub 5 second 0-60 mph car than a 6,000 lbs truck which get you there 3 seconds slower.
I been driving my wife's GL 320 BTC and while it does not handle poorly for a vehicle so high off the ground, I would not call driving the truck fun even with a big gas V8. Its more like a chore truck..
You are correct! In fact, it is much more fun driving a sub 5 second 0-60 mph car than a 6,000 lbs truck which get you there 3 seconds slower.
I been driving my wife's GL 320 BTC and while it does not handle poorly for a vehicle so high off the ground, I would not call driving the truck fun even with a big gas V8. Its more like a chore truck..
#40
Super Member
Sounds like somebody needs to learn how to drive. Contrary to popular belief, Supras actually handle very well. Not the most communicative and light feeling car, but very neutral and incredibly easy to drive given the amount of power. Mine used to make it to the track at least once a month before kid #2 Sadly, it has been at least 4 years since the R compounds have been on the car.
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GL550
I was at Watkins Glen last summer and a supra Turbo was in my group. He would just blow past me on the straights but I catch up in the corners. I am a fan of the styling.
You are correct! In fact, it is much more fun driving a sub 5 second 0-60 mph car than a 6,000 lbs truck which get you there 3 seconds slower.
I been driving my wife's GL 320 BTC and while it does not handle poorly for a vehicle so high off the ground, I would not call driving the truck fun even with a big gas V8. Its more like a chore truck..
You are correct! In fact, it is much more fun driving a sub 5 second 0-60 mph car than a 6,000 lbs truck which get you there 3 seconds slower.
I been driving my wife's GL 320 BTC and while it does not handle poorly for a vehicle so high off the ground, I would not call driving the truck fun even with a big gas V8. Its more like a chore truck..
#42
Senior Member
Sounds like somebody needs to learn how to drive. Contrary to popular belief, Supras actually handle very well. Not the most communicative and light feeling car, but very neutral and incredibly easy to drive given the amount of power. Mine used to make it to the track at least once a month before kid #2 Sadly, it has been at least 4 years since the R compounds have been on the car.
- Mark
#43
Senior Member
- Mark, daily-drove a Duramax Crew Cab for 6 years
#44
Member
Since this discussion came up, I'll bite.
The GL450 will do 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds according to one of the car magazines (Road & Track?). The 550 will do it in 6.5 seconds; the GL350 in just under 8 seconds. The V8's numbers are impressive for such a big SUV, indeed. However, the new QX56 is quicker than the 550, fyi. Having owned a GL450, I barely notice the lag in the Bluetec but I do notice it, that is until it hits around 1900 RPM. During cruise, the throttle response is better in the GL350 than in the V8s due to the low end torque. So yes, torque does matter; it is king.
The GL450 will do 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds according to one of the car magazines (Road & Track?). The 550 will do it in 6.5 seconds; the GL350 in just under 8 seconds. The V8's numbers are impressive for such a big SUV, indeed. However, the new QX56 is quicker than the 550, fyi. Having owned a GL450, I barely notice the lag in the Bluetec but I do notice it, that is until it hits around 1900 RPM. During cruise, the throttle response is better in the GL350 than in the V8s due to the low end torque. So yes, torque does matter; it is king.
#45
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I think the GL350 0-60 time is really hampered by the soft initial roll-off.
- Mark
#46
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
Since this discussion came up, I'll bite.
The GL450 will do 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds according to one of the car magazines (Road & Track?). The 550 will do it in 6.5 seconds; the GL350 in just under 8 seconds. The V8's numbers are impressive for such a big SUV, indeed. However, the new QX56 is quicker than the 550, fyi. Having owned a GL450, I barely notice the lag in the Bluetec but I do notice it, that is until it hits around 1900 RPM. During cruise, the throttle response is better in the GL350 than in the V8s due to the low end torque. So yes, torque does matter; it is king.
The GL450 will do 0-60mph in 6.7 seconds according to one of the car magazines (Road & Track?). The 550 will do it in 6.5 seconds; the GL350 in just under 8 seconds. The V8's numbers are impressive for such a big SUV, indeed. However, the new QX56 is quicker than the 550, fyi. Having owned a GL450, I barely notice the lag in the Bluetec but I do notice it, that is until it hits around 1900 RPM. During cruise, the throttle response is better in the GL350 than in the V8s due to the low end torque. So yes, torque does matter; it is king.
According to MBUSA
GL450 = 6.9 to 60
GL550 = 6.4 to 60
GL350 = 9.1 to 60
Car and Driver has tested the GL550 0-60 in 5.9 and the 450 in 6.6.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test
Motortrend tested the 2011 QX56 0-60 in 6.1
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html
#47
Member
According to MBUSA
GL450 = 6.9 to 60
GL550 = 6.4 to 60
GL350 = 9.1 to 60
Car and Driver has tested the GL550 0-60 in 5.9 and the 450 in 6.6.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test
Motortrend tested the 2011 QX56 0-60 in 6.1
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html
GL450 = 6.9 to 60
GL550 = 6.4 to 60
GL350 = 9.1 to 60
Car and Driver has tested the GL550 0-60 in 5.9 and the 450 in 6.6.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...take_road_test
Motortrend tested the 2011 QX56 0-60 in 6.1
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...est/index.html
I'll still take the GL350 over the 450 & 550 unless they put a big enough gas tank to go a week or more between refueling.
#48
Super Member
I'll make it back one of these days. I've intended to do make it out the last 2 years, but the date has fallen on bad days both times. If you want to see a blast from the past, I was just looking at the Thill video I have on FB, and I think you make an appearance @ about 4:25. Ken's car is in there too, and probably several other list regulars, but I didn't know any names back then.
The boat has replaced track days as a black hole for money and time, and it is fun in a different way and a better family activity than watching me drive fast at a racetrack, so it isn't a total loss.
The boat has replaced track days as a black hole for money and time, and it is fun in a different way and a better family activity than watching me drive fast at a racetrack, so it isn't a total loss.
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GL 320, 993TT, BMW 550XI
Love those trucks. I logged around 100K miles in a Dodge van 2500 going in and out of New York City when I first got out of college as part of my first job. Its where I learned to parallel park and push cabbies around. Ah.. the good old days.
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2004 RX330, 2008 Scion xB, 2001 Honda Insight Hybrid, 2010 Toyot Prius v ATP
Dodge may still be "Not Ready for Prime Time" --- http://www.tmz.com/2011/03/18/meet-t...-perry-recall/