Thread: Video comparison: Defender 110 vs Jeep Rubicon (1/2 hr vid)

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

just as a foot note..

dont forget to compare software edition to software edition in the Ford defender the earlier ones had much more agression in the ramp and application of power for the idle jack compared to later ones.

I've driven a few as test runs for people and IMHO, in the worst case(s) if you're ready for it its nothing to worry about, but if you've just climbed out of a rock crawler auto and jumped into an early/bad (meaning one that has a really pronounced version of the problem) ford defender and you dont know its going to do it that could be a little to a lot unsettling. A "good" one and first/reverse low and you wont even know its there.

I suspect theres also a large gap based on landrover/lucas electrical "quality" control. some of which could be as simple as noise coming from the wheel sensors forcing the system to over compensate. (the same thing that causes more than a few cases of 3 amigos in the td5)

Interesting, didn't know there could be such differences between TDCis regards idle ramp.

Mine certainly falls into the "good one" category - the rise in revs from normal idle to raised idle is barely perceptible.

Perhaps you are on to something related to wheel sensors. Mine has none - no ABS/ATC fitted to my 2013 2.2 TDCi

Biggest thing that separates them for me in terms of off-road performance is the lockers on the Ruby. Other than that the Defender for me is the clear choice (easy to get fitted). Spose that would be indicative of me being on this forum....

Rest of it is purely down to preference IMHO. Compromises for and against and there are plenty of mods to accommodate needs, the only variable I believe is $$. If it were no object I would own a new 70 series wagon......

I just dont like nor trust Jeeps

Here's another Defender/Jeep comparo, but by Nene Overland UK, who have been associated with Land Rovers for years and years:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xvSbgceBCA[/ame]

Originally Posted by AlecW

Biggest thing that separates them for me in terms of off-road performance is the lockers on the Ruby. Other than that the Defender for me is the clear choice (easy to get fitted). Spose that would be indicative of me being on this forum....

Rest of it is purely down to preference IMHO. Compromises for and against and there are plenty of mods to accommodate needs, the only variable I believe is $$. If it were no object I would own a new 70 series wagon......

I just dont like nor trust Jeeps

Before I bought my 2014 Defender, I was looking at the options on the market (attempting to pit head against heart ha ha!). I felt obliged to drive a 70 series workmate as its really the only viable alternative. It was atrocious to drive! Harsh leaf springs, top heavy, even more basic interior than Defender, noisier inside and those seats! The same slouching poor support I remember from all my years of driving troopies across northern Australia for work. Sure the V8 is nice but the cost! and the fuel consumption! All of which confirmed my head was in tune with my heart after all! 😊

I also test dove a hilux and an Amarok for a while, both nice cars in their class for a tradie working around town or a family going on the odd camping trip, but simply not heavy duty enough for constant use on rocky/corrugated roads and for a life of real bush work. The Defender chassis (which is like no other) and the low centre of gravity are two vastly under valued aspects of Defenders IMHO. As is the excellent upright seating position.

The Jeep was never a consideration. No payload for a start. Let alone reliability and longevity. It's a toy in my book. That test is really just about wheel articulation, clearance and diff locks as Alec says.

If money were no object (oh if only!) I'd still buy a Defender (and I can't really afford that either!) ...calm, breathe....thinking long term... 😎