Ford 2.3L gasser vs. 2.3L diesel?

[hat_man]

I was web surfing the other day and read that Ford had a couple of small diesel engines at one time for the Rangers. A 2.3L and I think a 1.8L. Not being an engine kinda guy I don't know anything about them. I read that diesels are more efficient than gassers and can deliver better FE, but to what extent. Does anyone have any experience with these little diesels or any info on what kind of FE the really get? They sound like an interesting alternative to a gas engine if the returns are really that good. Thanks.

[Frank Lee]

In the early '80s Ford put a Mazda 2.0 diesel in Escorts, Tempos/Topaz', and Rangers.

I have an '84 Escort diesel but have never run a whole tank of fuel through it- the body is shot. I'm contemplating swapping the engine into a nice Tempo shell.

There are plenty of reports of 45-50 mpg.

[bhazard]

2.3 diesel is a mazda engine.

I personally (along with a few other festiva guys) would LOVE a 1.7 mazda "PN" diesel imported into the US, to drop into a festiva, of course.

[thecheese429]

I don't have a ford (or an opinion on fords) but I wish my comanche had the turbo diesel option

Yes, it was offered with that