d3 vs d4

[denwol]

Hi,

Im a newly here and had a look through the forums, but couldn't find a good comparison between the two cars.

Im tossing up between a second hand d4, standard model or a d3 HSE.

What do people think in terms of quality of product, refinement and reliability.

I would love a 3.0, but don't have the dish, so 2.7 diesel in either is what Im looking for. We are planning a big trip around aus next year so need to primarily for this. I would be hoping to do some offloading, but not too intense.
I tow a jayco expands, a pop top of about 1700kg

Thanks

[TerryO]

Do yourself a favour, if you have the coin then for peace of mind get a D4 rather then a D3, the newer the better and get one that still has factory warranty and then extend it the extra 2 years and then just enjoy it.

cheers,
Terry

[camel_landy]

Hmmmm.... Tough call!

The D4 has a much better engine & better on-road handling. The HSE is a much nicer level of trim.

Both are excellent off-road but the D4 has the edge.

M

[101RRS]

The D4 has a much better engine

I thought the 2.7 in the D4 was basically unchanged from the 2.7 in the D3.

Garry

[jonesy63]

I thought the 2.7 in the D4 was basically unchanged from the 2.7 in the D3.

Garry
Hi Garry,

In my experience, the D4 motor has less turbo lag, revs easier, and is quieter than the 2.7L in the D3. I suspect this has a lot to do with the new Bosch EFI setup in the D4 - compared to the Siemens in the D3. (This is also why they haven't gotten BAS/Alientech remap units working - the Bosch is harder to crack).

I also seem to recall reading that they've changed the crankshaft in the D4 2.7 to be the same as the 3L. Looking at redbook, the compression ratio is 18:1 on the D4 2.7 and 17.3:1 for the D3... if you can believe their figures.

Anyhow, it feels like it is a more oversquare motor - more power, but not as much torque. Then again, I did have my D3 remapped for a while. :angel:
Cheers,
Rob

[CaverD3]

The Superchips bluefin remap module works for the D4 2.7. It is worth getting it mapped whether you get the D3 or 4.

[jonesy63]

Yes - waiting to finish breaking it in - before remapping. :cool:

[Celtoid]

Hmmmm.... Tough call!

The D4 has a much better engine & better on-road handling. The HSE is a much nicer level of trim.

Both are excellent off-road but the D4 has the edge.

M

HSE D3 Vs a D4 in any guise....interior wise....I guess you need to judge the pros and cons of gadgets Vs overall look. The interior of the D4 is supposed to be the reaction to complaints from the buyers market, that it didn't match the luxury price tag and was too messy/busy.

I think the D4 looks pretty smick inside.....but I didn't dislike the D3 either....I guess it's personal.

:)

Kev.

[CaverD3]

Yes - waiting to finish breaking it in - before remapping. :cool:

You mean you haven't broken it .....................in yet?:D

[Disco4SE]

Im tossing up between a second hand d4, standard model or a d3 HSE
Hi denwol, there were 1100 changes made from the D3 to the D4.
I had the D3 2.7 SE & now the D4 3.0 SE. Apart from more power & torque, the first thing I noticed switching to the D4, was the smoothness & quietness.
Everything about the D4 seemed so much better. The interior is now more car like etc etc etc.
I know an AULRO member who also has had both vehicles, only both being 2.7Lt. He claims that the D4 2.7 has more power & torque.
Re-sale is a big one to think about as well. IMHO go for the D4.
Cheers, Craig

[WhiteD3]

I had a D3 SE for 4 years and now have a D4 2.7. The D4 is smoother, quieter and better looking inside. The ergonomics in the D4 is terrible compared to the D3. As others have said, better to get a D4 with some warranty left.

[denwol]

Thanks all,

Didn't realise there was a difference between the engines of the two!

We test drove a d4 yesterday. Such a nice beast to drive.
No d3's in our area to have a shot, hence the post.

[tempestv8]

The ergonomics in the D4 is terrible compared to the D3.

Can you describe how the ergonomics on the D3 is better than the D4? I thought that the layout on the D4 was simpler, more functional. The numerous switches D3 just looked unnecessarily messy. Too many buttons everywhere.

The D3 was good but the D4 is better! :)

[CaverD3]

D3 had more storage and was generally more practical switches easier to reach. D4 looks better.

[WhiteD3]

Can you describe how the ergonomics on the D3 is better than the D4? I thought that the layout on the D4 was simpler, more functional. The numerous switches D3 just looked unnecessarily messy. Too many buttons everywhere.

The D3 was good but the D4 is better! :)

The D4 loses the storage in front of the gear shift and above the radio. They've moved the centre console drink holders from forward of the gear shift to behind it, meaning you need to be double jointed or have no forearms to pick up a coffee cup.

As Caver says, they've moved the TR controls to forward of the gear shift. The position in the D3 seemed much more natural and easy to reach.

[camel_landy]

The D4 loses the storage in front of the gear shift and above the radio. They've moved the centre console drink holders from forward of the gear shift to behind it, meaning you need to be double jointed or have no forearms to pick up a coffee cup.

As Caver says, they've moved the TR controls to forward of the gear shift. The position in the D3 seemed much more natural and easy to reach.

IMO The D4 is the same but different layout... A layout which I prefer too.

On the D4, you get the little stroage area to the left of the TR knob as well as the little pop out tray just above the TR knob. I don't have a problem with the cup holders either.

Personally, I find the TR knob, suspension & transfer box switch much easier to use in their new position. On the D3, you have to look away from the road to find them where as on the D4 it's just a quick glance.

M

[rmp]

I prefer the D3's cabin usability but the D4 looks better. Drinks holders get in the way in the D4. I can operate the D3's switches by feel easier than those of the D4. As other have commented the D4 loses a little interior storage. The D4 also has just the one screen for everything, D3 has a radio screen and a nav screen. The dash icons for TR are bigger on the D3, easier to read.

But the D4 looks much cleaner and modern. And that's what's important to make it sell.

Unless the car is loaded up in offroad touring mode you're likely to prefer the D4, but it's not that much of a difference. The D4 is still pretty practical for a modern car.

[gghaggis]

One important difference inside the D4 is that you can actually read the screens with polarised glasses on!

Cheers,

Gordon

[Tombie]

One important difference inside the D4 is that you can actually read the screens with polarised glasses on!

Cheers,

Gordon

Yes, something that I have found a major PITA on the D3...

[Owl]

One important difference inside the D4 is that you can actually read the screens with polarised glasses on!

Cheers,

Gordon


Yes, something that I have found a major PITA on the D3...


X2!