Oh the 1.8T is great but tuned up for extra power there's no way it'll get 45 MPG on the highway or make 300+ lb-ft of torque at 1800 RPM. I also don't think they're known for lasting 300k miles plus like the TDIs.
The subject here isn't max power anyway; again I want to build something with a focus on economy and just plain coolness factor. I don't see a need for more than 300-350 HP in a C-body that I want to travel the country with especially when there's 500+ lb-ft of torque to go with it. I've always had a dream of road tripping around the continent with a classic Mopar but the big-V8 gas mileage was always a turnoff; yes a modern G3 Hemi with EFI would do much better but still even so I just... want a frickin diesel lol I love them and think they're super cool.
