Good question! I've been wondering this myself, precisely for a certain filter swap as well. For Hondas, as well as other cars using the same mounts (mine is a Mitsu-Mopar), the Wix 51568 and Baldwin B168 have 243 and 213 sq in of media, respectively. Drainback and bypass valves are basically compatible as well. These are truly "mega-filters" for Hondas, and they should fit per the catalogs' specs, but I don't know of anyone who has used them, including myself. (In comparison, the Honda-application Bosch 3312 has a pathetic 81 sq in.)
The "vehicle application" listings for these filters only show various commercial/industrial diesel engine applications, so I was wondering if there's good reason NOT to use 'em, but haven't come up with anything yet.
If these diesel engines put out an equivalent oil flow and oil pressure as Hondas (don't know), then they should be fully compatible, I would think. Diesels put out more soot and are often used in gritty or off-road applications, so this alone would suggest larger capacity (bigger filters), which you've noticed. They MIGHT also have more rugged components to better withstand matters such as vibration, extended service intervals, etc., and MIGHT have thicker shells for off-road construction equip. None of this would prevent use on a car, of course. I've never read of any differences between gas and diesel filter medias -- each firm has their "Badass 5000" media -- whatever names they give their medias -- which seem to be used across their various filter lines, regardless of application. I think I've seen one or two medias that are unique to heavy diesels, but it seems marketing-driven (such as for extended drains), rather than truly need-based.
In short, I guess if you can verify that the diesel engines which use a given filter put out the ballpark oil flow -- or at least pressure -- that your ride does, it should be perfectly safe to use. I'm not sure that that's even necessary since you'll never burst the shell, and the bypass setting is correct -- what else could go wrong..??? At least I can't see otherwise...
