Choices, Choices...

[Jonno_G]

I find myself with a decision to make, and what better place to ask for advice on this particular decision than here?

I've been a fan of Landies for many years, but so far have not managed to actually own one. However, I finally find myself in a situation where I am able to buy one and I must choose between two. They're both about the same price, so that's not a factor:

Option one - a 1983 Range Rover 4 door.

Option two - a 1982 Series III Wagon.

Primarily I'm looking for a weekend toy, not a daily driver. So off-road ability is probably the main factor. In the past I've mainly been of the impression that stock-for-stock, the only vehicle in it's class that would out perform a Series Landy off-road was probably a Range Rover - is this a fair assumption?

I've had some involvement with a mate's Range Rover off road, and it easily outperformed Cruiser, Patrol, etc. But I've not had much to do with Series Land Rovers off road.

The other side of the coin is that I really like the simplicity of the Series Landies, and the fact that you can disassemble/reassemble almost the entire vehicle with a simple set of hand tools. So I guess that the question comes down to off-road ability vs. ease of repair/maintenance.

Any thoughts?

Jon.

P.S. Engine preference is a moot point, as I'm a diesel fan but both of these are petrol. Also, engines can be changes relatively easily to meet my preference at a later date, though granted the diesel into Series is probably an easier conversion than into the Rangie.

[BigJon]

No comparison. Range Rover. It is a decision which shouldn't even need any thought.

[isuzutoo-eh]

Rangies have fantastic flex out of the box. Series can flex well if thought is put into their springing, but the Rangie can flex further with the same level of effort.
Is the Series 3 a stage 1 and therefore V8? If so, the drivetrain of both will be the same except the series will have a stronger rear diff. Stage 1s have a few rare bits, such as the CV joints.
Unless the Rangie is an auto, the gearbox will be the same and thus tough as nails.
If the Series 3 isn't a stage 1, then the power/weight ratio is in the Rangie's favour. If its a Rover 6 in the Series, it'll have a few hard to find parts. The 4 cylinder jobs may be a little on the small side for a 109 wagon, but opinions vary.
Most 109" Series came fitted with bigger tyres than Rangies. You'll need it with the salisbury at the back. Spring lifts are easier in the Rangie so you can fit bigger tyres anyway.

If its a 4 or 6 cylinder Series and you plan on pushing it hard, go the Rangie, if its a stage 1 V8...it'd come down to little things

[JDNSW]

it is pretty much up to what you put higher on the priority list. In terms of outright performance the Rangerover will be better, but if you like playing with meccano, choose the Series 3. Parts are possibly easier to find and cheaper as well for the Series 3.

John

[spudboy]

I'm going to say Rangie as well.

[BMKal]

If off road ability is your main consideration - then the Rangie without doubt.

But if it was me given the choice, I'd have the series wagon any day. ;)

[JohnF]

depending which motor is in each one, get the Range Rover. The ride will be much more comfortable in the Range Rover.

[BigJon]

Rangie has better bakes, better suspension, better body build quality, etc, etc.

[Jonno_G]

Hmm,...

Looks like opinions are fairly evenly split - that was my problem in the first place. :D

I like the idea of the little V8 in the Rangie, it's a good motor, and they're definitely a more comfortable vehicle, but I'm not going to be driving thousands of km's in it. (I have a diesel Suburban for the long haul trips.)

What I've wanted for a long time is an Isuzu powered 110 County, as I regard that as being the best of both worlds, but they're rare as rocking horse dung around here. So I decided I'd settle for a good Series Landy instead if one came up - then the Rangie came up a couple of days before the SIII

As John (JDNSW) put it - I certainly do like playing with meccano, so that's an issue as well. The flexibility of the SIII (as opposed to the Rangie's "flex-ability") when it comes to modifying it later is a definite plus, and must be factored in. Also, there's a major appeal to being able to simply hose out the SIII if needed - not recommended in a Rangie! :eek:

Generally I have a great deal of "mechanical sympathy" so I'm not going to be wringing it's neck for power all of the time. (If I want to race, I'll build a race car.) As I said, I'm a diesel fan - especially in a 4WD application - so I'm not really into going fast in the bush, that's what the race track is for. As long as I've got enough power to clear the lugs when needs be then I'll be happy. Most everything else can be achieved with proper gearing.

I have to admit, too, that a large part of why I'm considering the Rangie is so that I can do my best to embarass my mate who just dropped a massive wad of cash on a brand new Cruiser 70 series wagon! :D

So, at the moment I'm still just as undecided. :(

[Jonno_G]

Rangie has better bakes, better suspension, better body build quality, etc, etc.

Brakes are a good point to raise, but is it possible to fit the Rangie brakes to the SIII?

[101RRS]

I like the idea of the little V8 in the Rangie, it's a good motor,

Noting that if the series 111 is an 82 model it is a stage 1 and has the same little V8 motor

Garry

[Jonno_G]

Noting that if the series 111 is an 82 model it is a stage 1 and has the same little V8 motor

Garry

Thanks Garry, I wasn't aware of that little gem.

Just heard back from the seller; Sadly that's not the case anymore with this one - someone's swapped in a Red 202 Holden. I like Holdens, and I have stacks of spares for it, but I think I just lost interest in the SIII.

As well as the wrong motor it also has body damage to the left rear and appears to have interstate rego (which equates to no rego as it's still got to pass an inspection).

Oh well, looks like Rangie it is then! :D