The diesel was not offered yet when I got my 4.8i in May 07. After driving the 35d for 3 weeks as a loaner car from my service department, I would have purchased the 35d over the 4.8i, and made it look exactly like the 4.8i and the options I chose.

I love spirited driving, and typically drive more aggressive on a daily basis. The diesel's lag would be something I could get over based on the fuel economy and torque on the highway. I do approx. 35K per year, and based on my average of 16mpg with my 4.8i and what I was getting on the 35d loaner of 25mpg, I could have saved a significant amount of $'s, plus the actual car was cheaper as well.

But all in all, I still love the rumble and power of the 4.8i.

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