I think the best thing about having a diesel engine would be the potential reliability. After all it’s COMPRESSION ignition, i.e. no sparky bits required for ignition. Millions of truckers can’t be wrong..
I don’t believe weight would be so much of a problem. With modern engine block casting techniques the weight differential compared to a conventional power plant is negligible. According to Autocar, VW’s 1.9 TDI engine is only 15 kgs heavier than their V-5 engine yet produces considerable more torque.
Regarding throttle response times, just remember even if it is fractionally slower a conventional engine if a blower is required, it will still be a barn sight quicker than any jet engine.
Perhaps icing might present a worry? Diesel tends to turn to wax at lo temperatures.
Love the sound of a Chevy V-8 Cessna by the way. Nearly as cool as the Chevy V8 Harley…