D4 vs LC200 4x4 australia july 2013

[ramblingboy42]

top to bottom base price D4 $85,600...LC $89,990...if you option the Discovery to match the Cruser, the Discovery is still a little cheaper and better equipped in other areas.
The cruiser's V8 is about 50% bigger 4.5 litres vs 3.0 litres....you would think that this would bring about a big difference in power and torque but this is not the case. There's not much to separate these 2 in terms of on road performance. What is noticeable is the Discovery's superior refinement and noise abatement. It cant match the D4's sweet V6. In comparison the V8 sounds a little on the crude and unfinished side. The Discovery also picks up points for it's superb 8 speed gearbox. The cruiser's 6 speed box is not as refined, nor as smart. It's also slower to respond to throttle input. The Discovery also proved more ecomomical. What the Discovery cant match is the cruiser's generous range with its 138 litre tank. Driven with regard to it's dynamic limitations,(you have to compensate?...my words) the cruiser doesn't do anything wrong, its just in contrast the Discovery feels decidedly sporty and is a far more engaging drive. The cruiser does gain ground back with it's more absorbent and more comfortable ride. The cruiser edged out the Discovery in tougher going (but there's no photos to back this up), although the Land Rover's superior ride height and better vision from the drivers seat cannot be discounted. Off road the "weakness" of the Discovery and the strength of the cruiser is in the wheel and tyre spec. The Discovery 4 is in most ways a more sophisticated and more polished vehicle. The engine is more refined, quieter and more economical and just as powerful. The gearbox is also superior in every way. On road handling is well above the cruiser's. The Discovery's interior is also generally more functional. There is a lot of waffling on in the test but I have included all pros and cons as written. Their final statement....We don't like to sit on the fence but what is best for you is up to your priorities. They CANNOT and WILL NOT confess or admit that one of theses vehicles is superior to the other. ffs THEY awarded it THEIR 4x4 of 2013....

[DiscoMick]

Some of the old guys just can't bring themselves to admit a Landy can be better than a Toyota, even when its bleeding obvious.

[DoctorJ]

I have to admit I was a bit dumbstruck at their conclusion when I read it, that being said I have been trying to convert a contributor of theirs and I might be winning :D. Generally speaking they are more favorable towards Landys than other publications

Cheers
Julian

[scarry]

Same,same,gets a bit monotonous......

Now if LR sorted out the tank and tyres,i am sure they would find something else to complain about,maybe the size of the glovebox?

I recon most of these journos read each others articles and just copy each other!

[jimr1]

A mate of mine used to be a sales rep for one of the major 4x4 mags . He said the auto makers allspend lots on advertising , so the mags try not to upset tere customers . although the more they spend the better the report .

[d2dave]

There was a story a few years ago in 4x4 Australia. One of their journalists, Alan Whiting, purchased the long term project that the magazine had kitted out. It was a D3. Alan said that he had never considered buying a LR, but was so impressed with it that when it came time to replace it, the replacement would be another LR.

[Cobber]

A mate of mine used to be a sales rep for one of the major 4x4 mags . He said the auto makers allspend lots on advertising , so the mags try not to upset tere customers . although the more they spend the better the report .but try getting them to admit it ;)