Diesels have better economy and decent torque, but I don't like the kle-kle-kle and shaking like a crackhead. Also, they cost more to maintain so fuel economy goes out the window at certain point. Glow plugs, DPF, EGR, injectors seizing up are pretty expensive things to change.
You should not drive them short distances, they like getting hot and ready for chugging along for hours, otherwise the parts mentioned gets clogged up quicker.