5 Cars: Fast and Furious Like Vin Diesel

"When you grow up you'll play with diesel instead of gas!"

That's a phrase I have seen tossed around a lot on online car discussion boards. It appears those who drive diesel-fueled vehicles are sold on the concept. 

Going diesel has pros and cons for drivers: In the negative column, diesel fuel is more expensive than conventional gasoline. On the whole, it has less horsepower, meaning that diesel cars aren't quite as speedy in the top end. Cars that use diesel fuel often are noisier than those running regular petrol, though that is improving as modern diesel engines are becoming more refined and quiet. And the fourth con is all about logistics: Diesel simply isn't as available as regular gas.

But there are advantages to diesel fuel: A gallon goes farther than conventional gas does. A diesel engine is more fuel efficient when compared with a gasoline engine — approximately 20-30 percent more, according to experts . And diesel engines offer more torque, especially in the low-rev range, meaning they're good for towing other vehicles or pulling along boats or trailers.

This week's 5 Cars presents five diesel-powered vehicles. Who knows? Perhaps the fuel of the big boys is the one for you.  

Listings and photos are from Cars.com and AOL Autos.

1. 2013 Volkswagen Passat Manual TDI SE - New - $29,255
   
   If you dig German engineering and want a diesel engine, this is one whip to consider. The 4-door Passat sedan has front wheel drive and a manual transmission.
   
   Available at Jack Daniels VW in Fair Lawn. 
2. 2013 Ford F350 - New - $61,820
   
   From Cars.com: Being a crew cab pickup, this truck can haul a lot of gear and a lot of people. The Ford comes in a white Platinum Tri-Coat and has a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 6.7 liter V8 32-volt OHV turbo diesel engine. We describe this one as the pickup with lots of pickup. Ask for Stock# 39521.
   
   Available at Route 23 Automall in Butler.
3. 2013 BMW X5 xDrive35d - New - $66,245
   
   From Cars.com: Boldly styled in Deep Sea Blue Metallic, this is a four-door Beemer sport utility vehicle with all-wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission and a 3.0 liter 24-volt DDI DOHC twin turbo diesel. Gotta love the combo of looks and strength.
   
   Available at Prestige BMW in Ramsey.
4. 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Used - $65,480
   
   From Cars.com: This refined four-door sport utility vehicle features all wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.0 liter V6 24-volt turbo diesel engine. 
   
   Available at Town Motor Car in Englewood.
5. 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie - Used - $48,799 
   
   From Cars.com: This is a good-looking four-door crew cab pickup truck—you'll love the color: It's Deep Water Blue Pearlcoat with a Graystone Pearl accent and a light pebble beige and dark brown interior. And you can fit the whole gang in this one. Sweet. The truck has a 6-speed automatic transmission, 6.7L I6 24V DDI OHV Turbo Diesel, 46,908 mi. Ask for Stock# E22160Q.
   
   Available at Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in East Hanover.