Why are diesel engines known as underpowered?

Question

I do hear a lot about diesel engines, more specifically how they have to be turbocharged and that they generally have poor acceleration etc. But why is this?

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Answer 1

We typically think of “power” as “horse power” in vehicles, which is pretty much rotational force multiplied by rpm.

Gas engines produce less torque (rotational force) then diesels of the same displacement, but can Rev much higher and they get there faster. This is why gas motors feel so peppy and powerful.

Diesel is best for applications where you need actual power over fast response or extream working conditions (high rpm).

My 2.8L I4 diesel has 1/3 the horse power, but nearly the same torque as a 5.3L v8