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, according to experts—approximately 20-30 percent more, compared to a gasoline engine with the same displacement. And diesel engines offer more torque, especially in the low-rev range, meaning they are 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 2.0 TDI SE - New - $29,290 

From Cars.com: If you like German engineering and dig diesel, this is one to consider. The blue Passat sedan has four doors, front wheel drive, a 6-speed automatic transmission with auto-shift and a 2.0 liter DDI DOHC turbo diesel engine. Ask for Stock# 3567.

Available at  Trend Motors VW in Rockaway.

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-valve 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-valve DDI DOHC twin turbo diesel. Gotta love the combo of looks and strength. Ask for Stock# 41595.

Available at BMW of Morristown in Morristown.

4. 2013 Porsche Cayenne Diesel - Used - $67,900

From Cars.com: Technically, it's a used car, but this refined four-door sport utility vehicle in Umber Metallic is a 2013 and has racked up only 7,019 miles. This Cayenne features all wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission and a 3.0 liter V6 turbo diesel engine  Ask for Stock# DLA25635.

Available at Paul Miller Porsche in Parsippany.

5. 2011 Dodge Ram 3500 Laramie - Used - $48,79946,908 mi.

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, 6.7 liter turbo diesel engine. Ask for Stock# E22160Q.

Available at Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in East Hanover.