If you Google back a ways in this same newsgroup, you'll see me quoted
as saying something like "there's no substitute for mass" in a tow
vehicle. In those days, I had just switched from the Jetta (more or
less okay for "normal" situations, but definitely not what I'd want in
a downhill panic stop) to an Explorer. However, I think that if you
look at a car like the Passat (all wheel drive plus good ABS plus a
friendly geometry for towing), it's an acceptable alternative to heavy
metal. And again, if you're gonna have to take the wife and kids down
to the shore, it's a lot more friendly as a "regular" family vehicle.
I think the key is to understand the limits and also to make sure
that the trailer brakes are in perfect condition. I've had several
panic situations with the Passat, and thanks to good surge brakes and
intelligent driving, we're still here to talk about it.

WRT diesels, I'm a big fan. I actually started my gliding life towing
a 1-36 on a Gherlein trailer with a Diesel Rabbit. Now that was an
interesting setup. No problem getting going, but hard to get out of
second gear on an uphill. I desperately wanted the Passat 4motion
Wagon with the TDI, but unfortunately, they don't import it into the US
(yet).

P3