Thread: TD5 or new 2.4 ??

yes I know exactly where it is same place up in the corner

I've got both TD5 and Puma, so maybe that make me unbiased.

For a year touring around Australia I'd say without hesitation go the PUMA. Yes, there were issues with the early release models, but then there are equally issues with the TD5 (oil in loom, oil pump bolt, etc).

Just driving the Puma should convince you:
- quieter
- 6 speed box is magic
- altogether more civilised
- aircon works
- more power (unless you chip the TD5)
I reckon there's no argument.

Be careful with fueling with the Puma engine though - they do NOT like water in the fuel. Might be worth considering an uprated fuel filter for outback fuel stops. I've got an extra fuel filter on my fuel tank breather so that water can't get sucked back into the tank in heavy rain/deep crossings. Cost $15 and is cheap insurance.

HTH
David

Objectively speaking, I think the lower first gearing, better low down torque and the fantastic anti-stall feature make the Puma superior (along with better interior and aircon). The TD5 revs higher and can be tuned to rev like a V6 (I had the top of the range Bruce Davis treatment on my old one) but the Puma has better lower rev torque delivery with less fuss - which in the real world is more useful.

The anti-stall in particular is a huge boon to the user who frequently lugs heavy loads - it has to be driven to be believed. Just ease of the clutch, no gas, and watch it confidently and in a measured pace 'walk away' from starts on inclines (even loaded and in hi range).

Also, on my TD5 I found the noise and vibration of 5th gear highway so painful I fitted a GKN overdrive. No need in the Puma.

Finally, comfort and safety of the second (not to mention third) row seats - no comparison. Add to that better cabin airflow (esp. key on 110s with lots of passengers) and lower NVH levels and it's no comparison.

Especially now that all major issues are known, I see buying an 09 or 10 model a relatively safe proposition - esp. if you have a good track record with your dealer.

Good luck mate - whatever you choose you'll love the Defender.

I was pretty sure the Puma doesn't have anti stall in high range only low....

cast your eyes over this thread as well, questions my dad was asking before he put an order in for a new one. Picking her up next week!

Td5 vs PUMA - Thoughts?

Originally Posted by dullbird

I was pretty sure the Puma doesn't have anti stall in high range only low....

It does - I've tried it. Pointed it up a 30 degree concrete ramp, loaded with passengers returning to dealer's yard (Alto, Artarmon) - eased the clutch out, no fuel - just idled up the ramp fuelling itself up, no shudder.

That MUST be handy offroad...

Will know soon enough - found out today I take delivery in late May !

Originally Posted by Gavster

It does - I've tried it. Pointed it up a 30 degree concrete ramp, loaded with passengers returning to dealer's yard (Alto, Artarmon) - eased the clutch out, no fuel - just idled up the ramp fuelling itself up, no shudder.

Indeed! pretty hard to stall in in 2nd high even!

Although there are a couple of stupid features on the Puma:

1. No cabin motion detector for the alarm
2. You can't switch on the headlights if the engine is not running.

Originally Posted by Gavster

It does - I've tried it. Pointed it up a 30 degree concrete ramp, loaded with passengers returning to dealer's yard (Alto, Artarmon) - eased the clutch out, no fuel - just idled up the ramp fuelling itself up, no shudder.

That MUST be handy offroad...

Will know soon enough - found out today I take delivery in late May !

you sure that's not just the car driving its self up on tick over which any diesel will do? any diesel can be driven like that and it will walk it self up a hill...I could show you in a 200tdi.

However I would be interested to see if you put it in an offroad situation and get the same findings because it is when the load changes on the engine significantly that you will find it has anti stall..

I know for a fact it doesn't have anti stall in low second and I was almost certain that it doesn't have it in high at all....I'm happy to be proven wrong but I honestly don't think I'am.

another test would be if you think you have anti stall in in high first get out of the car leave it in gear and then start it by reaching across for the key watch all the passengers head butt the window