Drop for drop diesel has 12% more power than petrol and can easily be made to have much more power than a petrol car.
You mean 12-15% higher energy density, not power. And yes, a diesel engine is much more efficient, lasts twice as long, is simpler, blah, blah. Still inferior to a petrol engine for passenger cars though in terms of performance, weight, sound, cleanliness. And for a performance car being driven enthusiastically and enjoyed for its feedback, it's just too big a compromise. I
enjoy driving cars with petrol engines; I
tolerate driving cars with diesel engines.
There are some dramatic, classily styled cars out there from the likes of Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar etc which look great hunkered down on their big wheels with their curves and edges gleaming in metallic and pearl. And then the rep inside turns the key and a diesel clatters into life.