Thread: Td5 vs tdci

Well....

After participating in a very entertaining and enlightening disco4 vs puma thread i thought we could break down the advantages and disadvantages of a td5 vs a td4.

Why?

Eveytime I've been out and seen someone in a td5 ive been told the old "after the td5 it was all down hill from there" speech.

Now this is my opinion, make of it what you will and feel free to correct anything:

-the puma has the better engine in my opinion. Yes the td5 sounds better but the tdci is a "light truck" diesel engine with better overall performance. It is heavily down tuned from factory to cope with various fuel qualities and responds well to modification. It has also proven to be a long life engine with ford transits ticking over hundreds of thousands of kms with no issues.
- the getrag gearbox is a better box than its predecessor. Its 6 speed and seems to have a perfect gear for every situation. Highway driving is a pleasant experience with 6th gear offering a nice refined touch. The gearbox originally had issues in the mustangs but the issue was rectified and is a solid unit and can cope a beating. The ford rangers also share this box.
- the dash contiues to offer a utilitarian feel but is more appealing and more functional. I can easily reach everything and the controls have a nice feel to them.
- the traction control is excellent. Works extremely well. I still remeber the first time it came on and got me through an area where i was convinced i was going to struggle. Impressive
- the air conditioning and heater works really well. Excellent compared to the td5
- i have a 2013 110 which has the upgraded rubber seals, massive improvement.

Where the puma lacks in my opinion is:
-the rear diff was a step backwards compared to the sailsbury (early td5s). Ive had 3 rear diffs but to be fair and using hindsite i should have only had one. My issue all along was my flanges and rear axels. Since i got a rebuilt/reconditioned unit i have had no dramas at all. Since then ive added a e-locker, hituff axels and HD flanges all round. Very happy and i am convinced this is more than sufficient for my needs.
- rear axels are weaker
- td5 sounds nicer with exhaust mods. This doesn't really help its capability but lets face it.....it sounds great!
-probably/slightly better rust protection on the chassis. This is probably a bit "hit and miss" but most people would probably agree.

Thoughts peoples?????

The "can of worms" has been opened..

I think the td5 and tdci comparison is a little apples and oranges really. I mean, 1999 vs 2007 you know?
If the tdci wasnt any better than the td5 at anything, they never would have changed it. So thats that, a tdci will blow off my td5. But so it should.

Td5 components ARE more expensive than tdi parts. Fact. You find td5 parts as cheap as tdi ones please send me a link i would be much obliged.

Theres nothing wrong with the td5, nor tdi, nor tdci. All statistically reliable. People are funny, they drive a car everyday, in varying conditions, expect it to be powerful, haul loads, cop a hiding off road and when it breaks they cry:

"OH MY GOD ****ING LAND ROVER/PEUGEOT/NISSAN/TOYOTA/OTHER BRAND I AM SO DONE."
If it was a horse it would have run away! Dont get me wrong, people get unlucky, but its just that. Luck. Also, stuff wears out! They get used, and by extension, used up! You do t have the same thing at 400,000km that you had at 15km.

Anyway, my td5 has copped the worst of it, i service it myself, i fix it when it breaks, and its simple enough to understand and troubleshoot. Never driven a puma, but i gather theyre very nice. BUT DO YOU HAVE BONNET VENTS???

I rest my case.