The influence of EIVC (early inlet valve closure) on emissions, fuel economy and exhaust gas temperature of a turbocharged, 4 cylinder common rail direct injection diesel engine has been investigated and compared with the influence of deactivating two cylinders. IVC (inlet valve closing) timings were set at up to 60 CA (crank angle) degrees earlier than the production setting of 37 degrees ABDC for the engine. At the earliest timing, effective compression ratio was reduced from 15.2:1 to 13.7:1. The effects on emissions were significant only for EIVC settings at least 40 CA degrees earlier than the production setting, and were sensitive to engine load. At 2 bar BMEP (brake mean effective pressure) and fixed levels of NOx, soot emissions were reduced but CO (carbon monoxide) and HC (hydrocarbon) increased unless fuel rail pressure was reduced. With increasing load, soot reduction diminished and was negligible at 6 bar BMEP; CO and HC emissions deteriorated further. At all conditions, EIVC raised exhaust gas temperature by >50 degrees C; the effect on fuel economy was negligible or a fuel economy penalty. Comparisons indicate cylinder deactivation is the more effective strategy for reducing engine-out emissions of HC and CO and raising exhaust gas temperature under light load operating conditions. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.