in north america , a bad reputation derived from some absolute stinkers produced in the 70 s by the US domestic manufacturers is a big part of it . In Europe they ' re popular across all vehicle types , and most things above compact SUVs in oceania are exclusively sold as diesel . Petrol engines have a higher redline , which allows for more spirited and noisy driving which some people seem to like . They can also make higher power at the expense of torque which lets you go very fast very quickly , but without the seat of your pants feel . Consider also that diesels have only really become acceptable for mainstream use in the last 2 decades . My first car was and still is a mid 80 s 70 series Landcruiser which had 90 hp from a 3 . 4 diesel . I don ' t think there is anything on the market today not even little city runabouts with such appalling figures . 45 kmh and 2 nd gear on long steep highway hills was the order of the day , but the torque and engine braking made up for it . But that ' s just how all diesel vehicles drove until the mid 90 s when turbochargers and electronic control came on to the scene in a big way . Today , the only vehicle going that has an oldschool diesel is still the 70 series Landcruiser with it ' s 27 year old ' 1 HZ '. Modern turbodiesels are now outperforming petrol vehicles on the dynamometer . They ' re even keeping their own at the racetrack . The only thing holding them back now is evertightening emissions requirements and the stigma .