Facts on Disco vs Defender

[squizzyhunter]

Hi there guys
Pardon my newbie ignorance but I have tried and tried to find legit comparisons (non emotive) on the fender vs Disco.
I have loved the series since I was young and have always wanted a TD5 defender ……….. but since I am don’t have much money I simply cannot bring myself to spend 100% plus for the emotional attachment I have for the defender.
As a newbie I am only going of hearsay and Spec sheets
Is the 100% price rise purely for the love of the series shape and very slight differences in off-road capability. So far that seems to be the most common thread apart from the less “crap” on the defender = less electric issues , less weight, easier to pressure wash and clean underneath, wheelbase advantage and space
Is there a big difference in general servicing costs??
Given the onroad advantage of the Disco I do not understand the huge difference in price……. Are there enough reliability issues with the extra electrics to justify the price differnce?????
Am I missing a massive piece of the puzzle guys ???

Given that realistically I will only get offroad once every 2 weeks and will be doing a lot of Hwy ks in-between the Disco is the logical choice…. but if money was not an issue I would happily drop the comfort of the disco for the agricultural bounce of the Defender handbrake and all:):):)……. But as it stands I cant justify the aprox 20k price tag of the TD5 defender compared to the under 10k Disco 2.
Any help in correcting my naivety would be greatly appreciated guys
PS- form the forums I have read there does not seem to be a difference in fuel consumption in L per 100k….. is that correct ???

[MR LR]

Defenders are more expensive as they are rare; also having less to go wrong, they have a very very long service life, so they hold their value better, much more so than the Disco's which having a plastic interior etc, fall apart around you. As well as the 'romance' of owning a special vehicle!

Defenders do officially use more fuel, I mean what can be expected when it has the aerodynamics of a brick dunny, low gearing and is slightly heavier.

You can get a Discovery to do what a Defender can offroad, they don't leak (unless you hose the back door seal at the top) and they have much much better ergonomics. I think a Discovery from 1994 is better to drive than a Defender from today for instance, albeit less powerful.

FWIW if I could justify the price (and had enough disposable money) I'd have a Defender.

In reality it's personal preference, you have to decide for yourself, so drive both.

And welcome to the forum.

Cheers
Will

[phibbzy]

The old adage poor man pays twice has never been more accurate when it comes to the disco v defender.

I hated the **** plastic interior of my old disco. I had constant electrical issues and spent more time trying to fix aesthetic issues than I did fixing mechanical ones.

My defender on the other hand still has aesthetic issues but they're easier to sort. The electrical issues I've had I have been able to fix myself which is saying a lot because I'm fairly electrically retarded.

If you can only afford a disco then I guess thats what you'll have to get, but If you can square away the investment on a good 300tdi or TD5 defender then you're money will go further and from the sound of it you will enjoy your investment more instead of driving around going "I wish..."

[dingsy]

I have both but one is an ex army Isuzu 110 and the other is a 3.9v8 1997 auto disco so probably not exactly the comparison you're looking for. As mentioned above you've got to drive them to see which you prefer, the old Isuzu is a pain to drive compared to the disco but I love it!

Personally if I had 20k and had to choose a TD5 I'd go the disco, but spend the extra money on minor mods to customize the vehicle for how I intended to use it. The less extra features on the disco the better. ( my power windows broke in the down position for the third time in 3 years last week - how I wish they were just wind ups!) also the TD5 mates very well with the auto box, something That isn't available with defender.

[rangietragic]

It is very hard to compare a defender to a disco.One imho is more of a work truck while the other is more comfort related.They were each designed to do different things.I have both,the defender will definately hold its value far better than the disco,depends what you want it for.Disco is safer,defender looks cool:).Welcome to the forum

[MR LR]

The old adage poor man pays twice has never been more accurate when it comes to the disco v defender.

I hated the **** plastic interior of my old disco. I had constant electrical issues and spent more time trying to fix aesthetic issues than I did fixing mechanical ones.

My defender on the other hand still has aesthetic issues but they're easier to sort. The electrical issues I've had I have been able to fix myself which is saying a lot because I'm fairly electrically retarded.

If you can only afford a disco then I guess thats what you'll have to get, but If you can square away the investment on a good 300tdi or TD5 defender then you're money will go further and from the sound of it you will enjoy your investment more instead of driving around going "I wish..."
So basically, what you're saying, is that everyone who owns a Discovery aspires to be like you? With water leaking on your right foot as you drive, wind noise in your ear, and a hunched right shoulder? But because we don't have them we're all poor?

FYI before I got either of my cars, I looked at a Defender, but doing 150 highway km's a day ruled it out, my previous comment about the money is because I don't have that much for a second car.

[Chops]

As far as engines go, I cant comment, but,,
I had a D1 V8 Auto (96), a D2 V8 Auto (2002), and for almost two years now,, a 2011 Defender (2.4L)

You really need to work out what you want to use your car for exactly, how much your willing to modify it, and of course how much cash all up you want to spend. I'm sure others here will both agree and disagree, so here goes.

The Disco's are far more comfortable than I think a Defender could ever be. Having said that, just try and wipe the smile off my dial when I'm driving the Defer ;)
But realistically, the Disco's win hands down when your on the Hwy, or even just any road really. Seating position is excellent, which makes the drive more relaxing. So comfy, I've almost fallen asleep at the wheel more times than I care to remember:eek:. Even in the bush, I found my D1 to be awesome, I didn't really drive the D2 in the bush.
I was lucky I think, I had very few problems with my cars electrically, or mechanically.
When in the Defer, I like the way I sit, as I'm more upright, so I seem to be able to see better, especially in the bush.

So why did I choose the Defender over the D3/D4?
For us, its all about long term travelling. The Disco's can be made to go anywhere of course, just like the Defer, however, I look at the Defer as being a "tougher" long range vehicle. With the shape of the Defer, you can add bits to it, including the body work, and it still looks just right. Making it what it has always been viewed as,, and expedition vehicle.
Load it up with extra fuel tanks and water tanks, stow away provisions, and go anywhere for weeks at a time.

Our Defer is no where near as fast as our Disco's were, duh,, V8's Marcus :cool:,,, but just looking at it tells you that ;). Mind you, I'm into looking at scenery now, so I have no desire to go fast anyway.
I've had more compliments on how good our car looks by drivers of other brands in two years than I ever had whilst owning the Disco's. They view it as being "ready to roll" at a moments notice,, and its all stock standard.

Take them all for a good drive, work out your end goal, then make your decision.

[blitz]

I absolutely love my 94 disco - if I owned defa I recon I would love it as well

[Disco Muppet]

The old adage poor man pays twice has never been more accurate when it comes to the disco v defender.

I hated the **** plastic interior of my old disco. I had constant electrical issues and spent more time trying to fix aesthetic issues than I did fixing mechanical ones.

My defender on the other hand still has aesthetic issues but they're easier to sort. The electrical issues I've had I have been able to fix myself which is saying a lot because I'm fairly electrically retarded.

If you can only afford a disco then I guess thats what you'll have to get, but If you can square away the investment on a good 300tdi or TD5 defender then you're money will go further and from the sound of it you will enjoy your investment more instead of driving around going "I wish..."

Sorry but that's a flawed comparison.
It's comparing two completely different vehicles based on the same strengths and weaknesses.
Yes, the Defender is more rugged. If you're into washing out the inside of your car with a hose then fantastic, get a Defender. If you're one of the lucky ones who feel totally comfortable in a Defender than great, props to you. But not everyone can.
If you're talking Td5, both the Defender and the Disco will have the same problems with regard to electrical items for the most part, obviously there's more features on a Disco, hence more things to go wrong.
But trying to argue that anyone who buys a Discovery is wasting their money because they really want a Defender is rubbish, it's entirely subjective.
Similar to MR LR, I travel upwards of 500km a week. Both the Defender and Discovery were within my budget, I picked a Discovery and I'm perfectly content with that choice.
Cheers
Muppet

[bob10]

I wish I had one of each, at least I couldn't hear the missus criticising my driving in the Defender ;) Bob

[slug_burner]

I have one of each although they do have different engines. My Defer is 300Tdi and the D2 is a Td5.

I can support that on the highway the Disco will be more economical than the defer due to a small aerodynamic advantage and the gearing. Once off road it will come down to your driving style 1st gear high range or 3rd gear Low range, etc.

Also I think you will find that the Disco 1 or 2 in petrol V8s will be a lot cheaper than the diesel Discos.

If you are mostly driving on road and don't have rear seat passengers older than primary school children then the Discos will be fine. The rear seat leg room is not much better in the back seat of a Defender but you do get a lot more space behind the barrier in a defender.

The Disco holds it's own off road, a slight disadvantage is the smaller rolling diameter of the tyres< Panel damage looks better on a Defender than a disco.

[redrovertdi]

Well i would easily average 150ks a day mon-fri and more on the week ends in my 300tdi 110, there is a coolness about driving a defender that others wont understand, yes a disco is quiet and comfortable but is boring to me[thats me] compared to a defender oozing with character and modifications. Basically a defender stands out in the crowd where a disco blends in. When a defender is covered in dents and scratchs it looks good and tough, a disco covered in dents looks like an unloved dog....
Its not only my right foot that gets wet its also my elbow hanging out the window ready to wave back at other defender drivers that understand.
My 110 replaced the previous 2 rangerovers and a p6b, my mother drives a freelander and dad a td5 disco, for me i will stick with the 110

[Cruiserlux]

I have a Defender 130 300Tdi. I currently travel 1800 ks per week. I wouldn't want anything else. Even in the Monash traffic jams. I prefrr to drive this over my wifes new Grand Cherokee. It is not a car. It's a lifestyle.

[PhilipA]

It is mandatory to have a beard to drive a Defender.

It also helps to have Khaki shirt and pants , boots and a leather belt with Swiss army knife hanging off.

Oh and a battered felt hat even in the hottest weather.

All part of the lifestyle image.

There is a Defender parked in my street at the moment and you cannot see the floor for the dust /dead soft drink bottles etc. Admittedly its an old dunger 300Tdi.

Regards Philip A

[Chops]

Well i would easily average 150ks a day mon-fri and more on the week ends in my 300tdi 110, there is a coolness about driving a defender that others wont understand, yes a disco is quiet and comfortable but is boring to me[thats me] compared to a defender oozing with character and modifications. Basically a defender stands out in the crowd where a disco blends in. When a defender is covered in dents and scratchs it looks good and tough, a disco covered in dents looks like an unloved dog....
Its not only my right foot that gets wet its also my elbow hanging out the window ready to wave back at other defender drivers that understand.
My 110 replaced the previous 2 rangerovers and a p6b, my mother drives a freelander and dad a td5 disco, for me i will stick with the 110

We're getting emotional :D,,, but what do you expect ;), They just ooze character,,,


I have a Defender 130 300Tdi. I currently travel 1800 ks per week. I wouldn't want anything else. Even in the Monash traffic jams. I prefrr to drive this over my wifes new Grand Cherokee. It is not a car. It's a lifestyle.

I did that yesterday :(, but, as I looked around me, there weren't too many happy souls around me ;), and I can stop for a cuppa any time I want. (yeah I know, a well set up Disco can do the same)


It is mandatory to have a beard to drive a Defender.

It also helps to have Khaki shirt and pants , boots and a leather belt with Swiss army knife hanging off.

Oh and a battered felt hat even in the hottest weather.

All part of the lifestyle image.

There is a Defender parked in my street at the moment and you cannot see the floor for the dust /dead soft drink bottles etc. Admittedly its an old dunger 300Tdi.

Regards Philip A

Will a moe do? It is long ;)
I refuse to wear a knife,,, :eek:
It is a lifestyle, but I don't think its something that people "try" to portray, its just there.

[isuzutoo-eh]

There is another option, spend less on a Disco for trips to the shops, and with the left over money get a Series and build it into whatever you please.

I can't imagine owning a Disco. Would rather a Rangie classic except I don't like petrol motors. Though the only vehicle I would consider replacing my County with is another 110, a 130 or a Perentie.

[LowRanger]

No self respecting Defender owner would be caught carrying a Swiss Army Knife:wasntme: A real knife is really what should be carried by any Defender owner:p

[sam_d]

I used to have a 1997 V8 Discovery. I loved it.

I now have a 2003 Defender and I love it.

At 6'2" the Defender seating was a concern initially but after trying a couple I found I fitted in it fine and actually prefer the seating/driving position in the Defender to the Discovery.

I found my Defender to be far more capable off road than the Disco but that is not to say the Disco was in any way bad - I can just take the Defender in places that I know the Disco struggled with / couldn't quite do.

Fuel economy wise, a TD5 is obviously a lot better than the petrol V8 - especially useful if you're ding lots of kilometers or want to do any long distance touring but I really, really miss the V8 roar.

The Disco was more 'refined' and easier to drive (being an auto) than the the Defender but the Defer has more 'poke' to it. And the brakes are better. You can fit more stuff inside the defender.

Maintenance wise, I am finding the Defender cheaper to service than the Disco used to be.



Having to grow a beard is the only downside to owning a Defender really and I really wish I could justify keeping the Disco as well as the Defender.

[roverrescue]

I like the fact that this time the post comes around I get to say the wise words...

If you have to take time to "choose" between a fender and a disco
Buy the disco

Fenders, like dogs choose their owners - not the other way around...

Steve

[Cammo]

Well, you asked for the facts and you seem to be getting them thick and fast.
If you have a defender, you will have facial hair.
If you have to wonder - buy a disco.
Because defenders really DO pick their owners - "my" stornoway grey 130 dual cab chassis from Port Macquarie went to Darwin two weeks before I could get my deposit together. In my driveway now lives a Keswick Green 130 HCPU - from somewhere in south Sydney! I met it on carsales and it got itself delivered 6 days later.

I believe you're either a defender person, or you're not. It IS a lifestyle, but it's a lifestyle that chooses you - not the other way around. And it means different things to different people.

To me, it's no nonsense, get down to it - whatever it is at the time. It's simple. I know where the corners are. I know I can fill it to all those corners and it will handle it. I'm not expected to look or act or speak a certain way when I get out of it. It's versatile. It looks at home almost everywhere.

It doesn't compromise and it makes no apologies. If you don't like a wet foot when it rains or you want to hold civilized conversations in ultimate comfort with your passengers; you best buy a discovery.
And that's okay. Because landrover knows not everybody is a defender person. That's why they gave us options, of which the discovery is a very good one: economical (diesel), comfortable, jam packed full of features and innovations (for their time). Plenty of them around!

My fathers D1 V8 manual is just a fun vehicle to have a blast in. But last month he tripped over a 2011 110 wagon - and it followed him home...

[redrovertdi]

So basically, what you're saying, is that everyone who owns a Discovery aspires to be like you? With water leaking on your right foot as you drive, wind noise in your ear, and a hunched right shoulder? But because we don't have them we're all poor?

FYI before I got either of my cars, I looked at a Defender, but doing 150 highway km's a day ruled it out, my previous comment about the money is because I don't have that much for a second car.



Sounds like the words of somebody who regrets the choice they made and still secretly wants a defender???:twisted:

[MR LR]

Sounds like the words of somebody who regrets the choice they made and still secretly wants a defender???:twisted:
No, I just don't like the sentiment that having a Discovery means you are poor.

But yeah I want a Defender, but only as a second car, just can't justify the price ATM.

[UncleHo]

G'day Sqizzyhunter

First off if you are single and looking to do serious off road then look at a Defender 110 if you have a family,think about a Disco,but if you prefer your vehicle to be non computerised then the 300TDI motor is the go,the TD5 is a fly by wire motor of BMW origin, the earlier motor is easier to service and is very long lived the disco has by far the better Aircon of the 2 with the exception of the current model 2.2litre Defender, yes,windnoise is less in a Disco,and it is in general more civilised,also remember that in city use there will he car parks that your Defender will not fit into as they are too high but a standard Disco will (+2 is OK I think).


Just my 2 cents worth.


I have LWB series,D1,and Rangie classic.

[Eevo]

If you we're going to pick up your new date for the first time, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.

If you we're going to pick up your mum and take her for a trip, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.

[superquag]

... and if you had to pick up a "mate" (who isn't really a mate...) who was over 2 metres tall and weighed as much as....


Take the Deefer !:o:o:o

[Eevo]

... and if you had to pick up a "mate" (who isn't really a mate...) who was over 2 metres tall and weighed as much as....


Take the Deefer !:o:o:o

You mean a paddy wagon

[Jeff]

I had a TD5 D2 and still have a 300 TDi Defender, as for the D2 using less fuel, I can't say, as mine was auto so would use more, and I would drive a little quicker than the Defender. I would get about 800km per tank from both when I wasn't towing, but the D2 had a 95 litre tank to the Defender's 80.

The D2 was nicer to drive, but suffered from numerous mechanical problems, strangely, no electrical ones, but I put that down to being second hand. I have had the Defender from new and it has been fantastically reliable. Off road the narrower squarer body of the Defender makes it much easier off road, especially when the terrain gets tight.

The reason Defenders hold their value better than Discoverys is the look never goes out of fashion, or maybe never was in fashion.

Jeff

:rocket:

[MR LR]

G'day Sqizzyhunter

First off if you are single and looking to do serious off road then look at a Defender 110 if you have a family,think about a Disco,but if you prefer your vehicle to be non computerised then the 300TDI motor is the go,the TD5 is a fly by wire motor of BMW origin, the earlier motor is easier to service and is very long lived the disco has by far the better Aircon of the 2 with the exception of the current model 2.2litre Defender, yes,windnoise is less in a Disco,and it is in general more civilised,also remember that in city use there will he car parks that your Defender will not fit into as they are too high but a standard Disco will (+2 is OK I think).


Just my 2 cents worth.


I have LWB series,D1,and Rangie classic.
The Td5 isn't a BMW motor, if it was it would probably be better haha.

[redrovertdi]

If you we're going to pick up your new date for the first time, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.

If you we're going to pick up your mum and take her for a trip, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.


Im single by choice:) and the women love the defender as its a new experience for them like the first ride on the back of a motorbike[2nd date that ends with a root], as for going on a trip with my mother definately the defender-she will give up on trying to talk over the wind/engine noise and run out of breath from complaining about the climb in. Personally i wouldnt go on a trip with my mum-thats what i have friends for...

[D110V8D]

Im single by choice:) and the women love the defender as its a new experience for them like the first ride on the back of a motorbike[2nd date that ends with a root], as for going on a trip with my mother definately the defender-she will give up on trying to talk over the wind/engine noise and run out of breath from complaining about the climb in. Personally i wouldnt go on a trip with my mum-thats what i have friends for...


HAHA. Gold. This man knows what he's talking about! :D:D

[ozscott]

Wow Disco interior falling apart. ..id better get out of my 95 d1 and 02 d2 now before a piece hits me. What a load of crap.

Cheers

[Petetheprinta]

It's pointless comparing apples with oranges. Forget the gonnas, wannas, shouldas, sit down, figure out what you realistically want to do with the vehicle then go from there. I would like a defender but realistically a Disco suits me better. Good luck with your choice.

[PTC]

If you we're going to pick up your new date for the first time, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.

If you we're going to pick up your mum and take her for a trip, would you take a disco or a defender? Disco.

Well I've bought the Defender as i said to my mum that i would take her on a trip through the Simpson Desert. And with sharing the fuel cost. It was cheaper to buy the new car than take my old Patrol.

First accessory i did need to buy for her though was one of those folding steps. As stock the car is still too high for her to get into it.

And a rope is attached to it. As i am not going to run around and open and close her door at every stop and pick up or put down the step :p


Before i got the Defender i had been out a few times with guys driving modified Disco's and they went everywhere that we did. Though seemed to have a lot more electrical problems. Always cutting out when going through river crossings and sometimes even in puddles.

So i was scared off them. But now i find the Defender has all the same motor and electrics and i own one. So i hope none of that happens to me.

[ozscott]

D1 v8 doesnt like water on the dizzy on those versions. D2 v8 with their coil packs up behind the plenum do not shirk duty in water. Without a snorkel I can have water over the bonnet in creek crossings and not even a stutter. Oohhh...and water does not leak in around door seals. ..

Cheers

[UncleHo]

A lot of the water crossing issues would be down to the location of the alternator as they do not like to go swimming,just back off the belt for water crossings.

[Redback]

Once you choose what vehicle you want, a fridge will be next,


:cool:mmmmm now what do you reckon, Waeco or Engel:whistling:

Baz.

[redrovertdi]

Once you choose what vehicle you want, a fridge will be next,


:cool:mmmmm now what do you reckon, Waeco or Engel:whistling:

Baz.


Waeco in the back of my 110, plastic wont rust or dent:D

[Landy Smurf]

Once you choose what vehicle you want, a fridge will be next,


:cool:mmmmm now what do you reckon, Waeco or Engel:whistling:

Baz.

[FishSlap] :BigThumb:

[joel0407]

I'm going to make a brave comment here on a Land Rover forum. My choice would be between a Disco and a Land Cruiser 75 Series.

It's taken a long while for the Disco 2 to grow on me but I love it now and spend a far amount of time defending it with mates. It's got all the fruit and once you know how it all works it's not bad at all to keep it all going. It's got to be the most comfortable 4x4 going and doesnt give anything up in off road capabilty for the comfort.

The defender however, not that I have ever owned one, has all the usuall Land Rover quirks to get used to but has nothing more to offer than a 75 series Toyota. I mean it's rough, built like a tin box, leaks, noisy, all that kind of stuff. The defender doesnt get things done with finess, it uses toughness and force. I'm sorry but when it comes to toughness and force a 75 series Toyota will have it over a Land Rover. Next time you have a aluminium soft drink can and a steel baked bean tin, jump on them and bashe them around and see which one comes out the best.

I find that the Disco with it's ACE and traction control allow it to do better than most Toyotas and the Disco will do it with finess. With the few off road assistance the Disco has, I watch mates in there Toyotas take run ups and bounce up hills where I can drive up slowly in the Disco with the wheels walking through the undulations and the traction control taking care of things when wheels start to spin.

Happy Days.

[ramblingboy42]

nope...its true....grumble's plastics inside are cracking everywhere....don't know if it's from stress of body/chassis flex or age. The instrument binnacle has been repaired twice, the plastic extrusion housing vents next to the windscreen has cracks everywhere. I've broken/repaired the ashtrays or whatever you might want to call them....the guides on the electric window mechanism have broken and needed replacing. The moulding housing the window controls has been repaired....the horn buttons popped out...repaired....the light control stalk broke...bloody expensive....no OZSCOTT, the interior is falling apart.....I'm sure I'm not Pat Malone here.....but I'm being open and honest about it.....and being 15yo vehicle soon , I'm not that bothered...just annoyed with the repair difficulties.

[Landy Smurf]

My grandfather has a 75 series. they are ok. need a turbo though. No where near as comfy as a defender.
I wouldnt agree comparing a aluminium can to a baked bean can is a good test.
I have always loved series and defenders. I do not really know much about discos but have heard good and bad things. as many say it comes down to your lifestyle and what you want in a motor car. I want something I enjoy driving hence the reason I will get series and defenders. If you have not done so already take them for a drive

[isuzutoo-eh]

I'm sure someone (or many people) will shoot this down, but I have spent 8 hours in my One Ten on the road today, plus another couple of hours making a track on a private property for the Local Landy Club... plenty of time to think.

It is very rare to see a Disco that is both exceptional for touring, and built up for tuff trips. It's always one or the other.
Plenty of Defenders do both though, often with just a tyre change, sometimes not even that. Some members of the LROC(S) have two sets of tyres, the Simex or similar for tuff trips and normal muddies or A/Ts for touring. My own County has done a fair few tuff trips and has punted me around NSW, QLD, Vic and Tasmania so far.

So if you don't know if you'll be touring or weekend warrioring, choose wisely, choose Defender ;)

[LowRanger]

I'm sure someone (or many people) will shoot this down, but I have spent 8 hours in my One Ten on the road today, plus another couple of hours making a track on a private property for the Local Landy Club... plenty of time to think.

It is very rare to see a Disco that is both exceptional for touring, and built up for tuff trips. It's always one or the other.
Plenty of Defenders do both though, often with just a tyre change, sometimes not even that. Some members of the LROC(S) have two sets of tyres, the Simex or similar for tuff trips and normal muddies or A/Ts for touring. My own County has done a fair few tuff trips and has punted me around NSW, QLD, Vic and Tasmania so far.

So if you don't know if you'll be touring or weekend warrioring, choose wisely, choose Defender ;)

Been out making tracks for Khanafari have we;)

[Redback]

I'm sure someone (or many people) will shoot this down, but I have spent 8 hours in my One Ten on the road today, plus another couple of hours making a track on a private property for the Local Landy Club... plenty of time to think.

It is very rare to see a Disco that is both exceptional for touring, and built up for tuff trips. It's always one or the other.
Plenty of Defenders do both though, often with just a tyre change, sometimes not even that. Some members of the LROC(S) have two sets of tyres, the Simex or similar for tuff trips and normal muddies or A/Ts for touring. My own County has done a fair few tuff trips and has punted me around NSW, QLD, Vic and Tasmania so far.

So if you don't know if you'll be touring or weekend warrioring, choose wisely, choose Defender ;)

I dunno about that Mark, my D2 did well at both, as did Simons(Slunnie) didn't we??

Baz.

[isuzutoo-eh]

Been out making tracks for Khanafari have we;)

Yep! Lots of digging the bullbar into the creek bed/bank and churning up the boghole. Need more clearance!
And Greg broke Jil...:p

[isuzutoo-eh]

I dunno about that Mark, my D2 did well at both, as did Simons(Slunnie) didn't we??

Baz.

Does Simon use his for touring? I've only ever seen day trip reports.

Yeah, your D2, and Yorkies, went a fair way- there are always statistical outliers, though not sure they are quite as 'hard core' as say Simon's or even Terry's D1.

[LowRanger]

I'm going to make a brave comment here on a Land Rover forum. My choice would be between a Disco and a Land Cruiser 75 Series.

It's taken a long while for the Disco 2 to grow on me but I love it now and spend a far amount of time defending it with mates. It's got all the fruit and once you know how it all works it's not bad at all to keep it all going. It's got to be the most comfortable 4x4 going and doesnt give anything up in off road capabilty for the comfort.

The defender however, not that I have ever owned one, has all the usuall Land Rover quirks to get used to but has nothing more to offer than a 75 series Toyota. I mean it's rough, built like a tin box, leaks, noisy, all that kind of stuff. The defender doesnt get things done with finess, it uses toughness and force. I'm sorry but when it comes to toughness and force a 75 series Toyota will have it over a Land Rover. Next time you have a aluminium soft drink can and a steel baked bean tin, jump on them and bashe them around and see which one comes out the best.

I find that the Disco with it's ACE and traction control allow it to do better than most Toyotas and the Disco will do it with finess. With the few off road assistance the Disco has, I watch mates in there Toyotas take run ups and bounce up hills where I can drive up slowly in the Disco with the wheels walking through the undulations and the traction control taking care of things when wheels start to spin.

Happy Days.

Maybe you need to own one,or maybe you have never been out with one that has been driven,it is a 75 series that will need to use force not finess.I'll back my Defender against a 75 series,both in ability and in its ability to make it home again without breaking;)And I keep hearing all about how superior Discos are,but whenever something a little bit more difficult comes up,the Discos are conspicuous by their absence,or the ones that do come out,tend to have a lie down or like to go home on a flat bed;)

[bob10]

Oh, dear, as if it is not enough that we have Land rovers against Toyotas, Nissans etc, to infinitum, now we have discos against defenders. Get your hands off the gearstick, boys, & enjoy what you have. It's worthwhile remembering the first long drives in the bush were made by model T Fords, & we had a Morris ute that took us everywhere we wanted to go. We love our vehicles, nothing wrong with that. But there's room for all. Even Toyotas. :D Bob

[LowRanger]

Oh, dear, as if it is not enough that we have Land rovers against Toyotas, Nissans etc, to infinitum, now we have discos against defenders. Get your hands off the gearstick, boys, & enjoy what you have. It's worthwhile remembering the first long drives in the bush were made by model T Fords, & we had a Morris ute that took us everywhere we wanted to go. We love our vehicles, nothing wrong with that. But there's room for all. Even Toyotas. :D Bob

It depends on WHERE you want to go!!!! and how easily you want to get there.Don't forget,you can drag anything virtually anywhere you want,it all comes down to effort and desire;)

[joel0407]

Maybe you need to own one,or maybe you have never been out with one that has been driven,it is a 75 series that will need to use force not finess.I'll back my Defender against a 75 series,both in ability and in its ability to make it home again without breaking;)And I keep hearing all about how superior Discos are,but whenever something a little bit more difficult comes up,the Discos are conspicuous by their absence,or the ones that do come out,tend to have a lie down or like to go home on a flat bed;)



That's exactly what I was saying. 75 series toyotas use only brute force and no finess and when it comes to brute force the 75 series is better than a defender.

Whilst there are horses for coarses. If you try and throw a defender into stuff as hard as a 75 series. I think the defender will break first.

I think the OP was interested in a TD5. There's no way a TD5 comes close to a 1HZ for reliability. I have done thousands upon thousands in 75 series but they don't suit what I need now. The Disco has 7 seats and I have 2 kids so when the relos visit there is still 3 seats left with my imediate family. The TD5 Disco is far better on fuel than a 75 series with a 1HZ, about 1/3 better. Means I can do more touring for the same money. And then there's the purchase price. So many people have the same views that I do and that makes 75 seires of similar wear about 1/3 more initial purchase price.

Happy Days.

[bob10]

It depends on WHERE you want to go!!!! and how easily you want to get there.Don't forget,you can drag anything virtually anywhere you want,it all comes down to effort and desire;)

Perhaps you should watch this, the interesting bit is at the end. Life is a learning curve, after all. ;)Bob

Ford Model T - 100 Years Later - YouTube (http://youtu.be/S4KrIMZpwCY)

[ozscott]

You will get old anything with the odd bit of trim with issues. I havent seen it on the ones I own or have seen. Perhaps the one above has been baked nicely in the sun.

Iove the comment about discos having a lot lie down. This is one of the most useless thteads I have seen..


Cheers

[460cixy]

I'm going to make a brave comment here on a Land Rover forum. My choice would be between a Disco and a Land Cruiser 75 Series.

It's taken a long while for the Disco 2 to grow on me but I love it now and spend a far amount of time defending it with mates. It's got all the fruit and once you know how it all works it's not bad at all to keep it all going. It's got to be the most comfortable 4x4 going and doesnt give anything up in off road capabilty for the comfort.

The defender however, not that I have ever owned one, has all the usuall Land Rover quirks to get used to but has nothing more to offer than a 75 series Toyota. I mean it's rough, built like a tin box, leaks, noisy, all that kind of stuff. The defender doesnt get things done with finess, it uses toughness and force. I'm sorry but when it comes to toughness and force a 75 series Toyota will have it over a Land Rover. Next time you have a aluminium soft drink can and a steel baked bean tin, jump on them and bashe them around and see which one comes out the best.

I find that the Disco with it's ACE and traction control allow it to do better than most Toyotas and the Disco will do it with finess. With the few off road assistance the Disco has, I watch mates in there Toyotas take run ups and bounce up hills where I can drive up slowly in the Disco with the wheels walking through the undulations and the traction control taking care of things when wheels start to spin.

Happy Days.


Have you been smoking crack or does your Pc need a breathalyser?

[2stroke]

Really is a useless thread...
Seriously though I think all 3 are good 4x4s (since we're now including 75 series). The toyotas are durable, reliable but when they go wrong they often do it in a big way and are WAY overpriced and overrated. Disco, cheap buy in, comfy, they wheel well if not carrying a lot of weight but legal tyre options are too small and then there's the body damage. Defender carrys a load well over rough terrain, between the two for comfort, only problem regards body damage is the roof (on mine at least). The brute force thing must be crack related though ;)
On our Canning Stock Route trip I averaged 11.5 L/100 km (in a 300 Tdi Deafener) and the 2 cruisers averaged 16.5 L/100km. No comparison really.
The main thing is the Disco is much softer in spring rate, will always wheel better empty than the other 2, try putting a tonne on it though.:D

[LowRanger]

Perhaps you should watch this, the interesting bit is at the end. Life is a learning curve, after all. ;)Bob

Ford Model T - 100 Years Later - YouTube (http://youtu.be/S4KrIMZpwCY)

Interesting bit is seeing that gravity still works;)Notice how it didn't show any actually going up!!!! Ever seen a VW Beetle off road?
As I said.....it depends on where you want to go and how easily you want to get there;)

[bob10]

Interesting bit is seeing that gravity still works;)Notice how it didn't show any actually going up!!!! Ever seen a VW Beetle off road?
As I said.....it depends on where you want to go and how easily you want to get there;)

Ever heard of the combi wagons that made it to the Cape, before it was made fashionable? Did you know the first vehicle to make it to Darwin from Adelaide was this one-



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/1600.jpg
Stuck near Marree.
The first to travel from Adelaide to Darwin by car were Harry Dutton of Anlaby Station and Murray Aunger. They used a 24 horsepower Talbot (not a 4WD) which they had named Angelina. They called in at the Alice Springs (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/alicesprings.htm) Overland Telegraph station in December 1907 and were the guests of the Bradshaw family. They were held up at Barrow Creek (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/repeaterstations.htm) for four days, but with the mud and torrential rains of the wet season had to abandon both the trip and their £900 car near Tennant Creek (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/tennantcreek.htm) in the middle of nowhere. They were back the next year with another Talbot, repaired Angelina, picked up Ernest Allchurch and continued their trip in two cars to Darwin and back. Dutton, born in 1879 was the son of Anlaby station owner who had bought a motor cycle in 1906 to collect the mail from nearby Kapunda (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/kapunda.htm) in 1906. Aunger, born in 1878, was a champion cyclist. In 1900 he had assisted Vivian Lewis to build South Australia’s first motorcar. The Lewis Motor and Cycle Works became Adelaide’s Talbot agents and in May 1907 Murray delivered the Dutton’s first car to Anlaby – the Angelina. In 1907 they tried to cross the

[MR LR]

I'm going to make a brave comment here on a Land Rover forum. My choice would be between a Disco and a Land Cruiser 75 Series.

It's taken a long while for the Disco 2 to grow on me but I love it now and spend a far amount of time defending it with mates. It's got all the fruit and once you know how it all works it's not bad at all to keep it all going. It's got to be the most comfortable 4x4 going and doesnt give anything up in off road capabilty for the comfort.

The defender however, not that I have ever owned one, has all the usuall Land Rover quirks to get used to but has nothing more to offer than a 75 series Toyota. I mean it's rough, built like a tin box, leaks, noisy, all that kind of stuff. The defender doesnt get things done with finess, it uses toughness and force. I'm sorry but when it comes to toughness and force a 75 series Toyota will have it over a Land Rover. Next time you have a aluminium soft drink can and a steel baked bean tin, jump on them and bashe them around and see which one comes out the best.

I find that the Disco with it's ACE and traction control allow it to do better than most Toyotas and the Disco will do it with finess. With the few off road assistance the Disco has, I watch mates in there Toyotas take run ups and bounce up hills where I can drive up slowly in the Disco with the wheels walking through the undulations and the traction control taking care of things when wheels start to spin.

Happy Days.
That's a load of bollocks.

Defenders don't need brute force, after all they have the suspension of the original luxury 4WD, the Range Rover, a Defender doesn't need brute force, just drive it with control.

Have you driven any Land Rover other than a D2?

I think you'd find it has the lowest ride quality of all the coiled live axles Landies, that's my opinion though, I had a D1 (foolishly sold it, I'll never stop regretting that) and bought a RRC as I missed the ride quality! D2's are rough because they handle well in the bends!

In my opinion (and I virtually learnt to drive in one) a 75 series is a very different machine to a Land Rover, if you want a bull dozer, just buy a CAT.

Cheers
Will

EDIT: I drive a D2, and I don't think it's finessful off-road at all, it's too stiff. Traction control and RRC flex would be amazing, so I give you... the DEFENDER. ;)

[Disco Muppet]

This thread has turned into the equivalent of a "my *****bigger than yours" type argument. Buy whatever you want, and be happy with it.

Sent from my microwave using AULRO mobile app

[LowRanger]

Ever heard of the combi wagons that made it to the Cape, before it was made fashionable? Did you know the first vehicle to make it to Darwin from Adelaide was this one-



https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/1600.jpg
Stuck near Marree.
The first to travel from Adelaide to Darwin by car were Harry Dutton of Anlaby Station and Murray Aunger. They used a 24 horsepower Talbot (not a 4WD) which they had named Angelina. They called in at the Alice Springs (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/alicesprings.htm) Overland Telegraph station in December 1907 and were the guests of the Bradshaw family. They were held up at Barrow Creek (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/repeaterstations.htm) for four days, but with the mud and torrential rains of the wet season had to abandon both the trip and their £900 car near Tennant Creek (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/tennantcreek.htm) in the middle of nowhere. They were back the next year with another Talbot, repaired Angelina, picked up Ernest Allchurch and continued their trip in two cars to Darwin and back. Dutton, born in 1879 was the son of Anlaby station owner who had bought a motor cycle in 1906 to collect the mail from nearby Kapunda (http://www.southaustralianhistory.com.au/kapunda.htm) in 1906. Aunger, born in 1878, was a champion cyclist. In 1900 he had assisted Vivian Lewis to build South Australia’s first motorcar. The Lewis Motor and Cycle Works became Adelaide’s Talbot agents and in May 1907 Murray delivered the Dutton’s first car to Anlaby – the Angelina. In 1907 they tried to cross the

Glad that you agree that it is all about how easily you want to get there,as I said,you can drag anything virtually anywhere;)

[Landy Smurf]

Sent from my microwave using AULRO mobile app

wow you must have an expensive microwave if it has apps :p

[joel0407]

That's a load of bollocks.

Defenders don't need brute force, after all they have the suspension of the original luxury 4WD, the Range Rover, a Defender doesn't need brute force, just drive it with control.

Have you driven any Land Rover other than a D2?

I think you'd find it has the lowest ride quality of all the coiled live axles Landies, that's my opinion though, I had a D1 (foolishly sold it, I'll never stop regretting that) and bought a RRC as I missed the ride quality! D2's are rough because they handle well in the bends!

In my opinion (and I virtually learnt to drive in one) a 75 series is a very different machine to a Land Rover, if you want a bull dozer, just buy a CAT.

Cheers
Will

EDIT: I drive a D2, and I don't think it's finessful off-road at all, it's too stiff. Traction control and RRC flex would be amazing, so I give you... the DEFENDER. ;)

Some fool before me changed mine to coils. So I can understand you thinking they have low ride quality. I have since changed mine back to airbags so mines not rough at all.

D2, too stiff? You obviously haven't driven one with ACE.

Just a question. Did the TD5 Defender have traction control?

Happy Days.

[TerryO]

What was the original question again? ...;)

[joel0407]

What was the original question again? ...;)

Dunno. Somthin about Disco or Defender in TD5. Got side tracked. Isn't 4x4ing all about side tracks?

Happy Days.

[Eevo]

Dunno. Somthin about Disco or Defender in TD5. Got side tracked. Isn't 4x4ing all about side tracks?

Happy Days.

no, its about killing zombies

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2013/11/1597.jpg

[MR LR]

Some fool before me changed mine to coils. So I can understand you thinking they have low ride quality. I have since changed mine back to airbags so mines not rough at all.

D2, too stiff? You obviously haven't driven one with ACE.

Just a question. Did the TD5 Defender have traction control?

Happy Days.
Interestingly, it's the front I hate the ride of... there is not enough travel.

The ACE cars are even stiffer until they disconnect, I hate the fact that when you turn into a side street you get rolled side to side like mad.

Yes the Xtemes did.

[justinc]

what???????!

have any of you driven a 75 series and then a defender ?????

you seriously can't compare a characterless, rough riding, boring, inefficient gutless although reasonably 'strong' vehicle with a defender or county??

Yes the 110 etc have their fair share of 'issues' but the cruiser is just so far away from a lifestyle and enjoyable drive that it isn't on the same page.

YES, I HAVE driven them, lots of them. I have serviced them, repaired them and turboed them and I still get a bigger smile driving my Isuzu 110 home at the end of the day, and especially touring in the 110. Overtaking HZJ75 series on hills towing my camper fills me with joy:)

As regards the original question, I started off with a lifted capable 4.6 RRC, fitted a 4BD1t and 110 running gear, loved it. After LOTS of km's and some fatigue setting in, the 110 took its place. Don't regret it at all, even when the floor is wet in the mornings after a night of drizzle, and I can't fit into some carparks . The choice really needs to be yours, and yours alone.

Please don't think the 75 is a good alternative to a defender, it is just an alternative

JC

[Quarks]

Reading through this thread, I think I'd better not comment. With both a td5 Disco and a td5 Defender in the driveway, I might be able to make a reasonable comparison between the two.

Nah, can't have that. :p

Sounds like the OP wants a Defender, just needs to save up a little more. A Disco would be more efficient on the highway during the week, but mods to improve offroad ability will probably undo the difference, so, meh.

[joel0407]

Interestingly, it's the front I hate the ride of... there is not enough travel.

The ACE cars are even stiffer until they disconnect, I hate the fact that when you turn into a side street you get rolled side to side like mad.

Yes the Xtemes did.


My front travel has been fixed with a 2 inch lift and 7100 Billies.

You must have been in a Disco with the ACE not working properly. Mine had air in the system and did exactly that before throwing up the orange light and locking the bar which made it ridiculously stiff. Now I have it all running right, it's fantastic. It's a very clever system and you'd need to read RAVE to understand it a bit. Running straight up the road it will be disconnected so it'll allow left or right wheels to run throw dips or bumps without upsetting the vehicle much but once you turn the steering wheel when hooking through a round about or the like and it's like its on rails. Same goes off road the valves open and allow the rams to move freely and allow full articulation. I must admit I hatted the thing to start with but I didn't understand it and it wasn't working properly. After replacing a ram, a blown hose, ACE filter and cleaning valves I now have the confidence in the system that if ianything goes wrong it wont leave me stranded.

Happy Days.

[MR LR]

My front travel has been fixed with a 2 inch lift and 7100 Billies.

You must have been in a Disco with the ACE not working properly. Mine had air in the system and did exactly that before throwing up the orange light and locking the bar which made it ridiculously stiff. Now I have it all running right, it's fantastic. It's a very clever system and you'd need to read RAVE to understand it a bit. Running straight up the road it will be disconnected so it'll allow left or right wheels to run throw dips or bumps without upsetting the vehicle much but once you turn the steering wheel when hooking through a round about or the like and it's like its on rails. Same goes off road the valves open and allow the rams to move freely and allow full articulation. I must admit I hatted the thing to start with but I didn't understand it and it wasn't working properly. After replacing a ram, a blown hose, ACE filter and cleaning valves I now have the confidence in the system that if ianything goes wrong it wont leave me stranded.

Happy Days.
I actually said I don't like the stiffness going around corners... such as when the camber of the road changes, and as I drive fast, the ACE stays engaged, I found I preferred the cars without it on-road, (although they still do the bucking thing such as coming out of my driveway) but then I'm not at all scared of body roll haha.

Basically all I'm saying is that I think the ride quality of a stock Range Rover classic is far superior to that of any stock series 2 Discovery.

[joel0407]

As for all you guys bagging the 75 series.

I said when I posted it I knew the response I was going to get posting that on a LR forum but thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I appreciate my LR for it's comforts and it's cheaper purchase price that a Toyota.

While the TD5 has more power, better fuel economy, smoother and more drivable. It's a complicated motor that requires better, more expensive oil, specific coolant and it's computer controlled. The 1HZ on the other hand is an old clunker that just keeps clunking. They are a rock solid motor. The 5 speed gearbox in the Toyota will see welll past 400,000km where LR autos are dieing under 200,000km.

If I wanted something noisy and rattling and driving for charater more than comfort, I'd choose a Toyota.

Happy days.

[joel0407]

I actually said I don't like the stiffness going around corners... such as when the camber of the road changes, and as I drive fast, the ACE stays engaged, I found I preferred the cars without it on-road, (although they still do the bucking thing such as coming out of my driveway) but then I'm not at all scared of body roll haha.

Basically all I'm saying is that I think the ride quality of a stock Range Rover classic is far superior to that of any stock series 2 Discovery.

Sold now but one of my cars immediatlty before the Disco was a WRX with coil overs and adjustable anti sway bars so I hate body roll. I love sitting flat and drifting. I sort of blame my driving for blowing a ACE hose mid corner.

Yeah a Range Rover is going to top a Disco for comfort any day.


Happy Days.

[slug_burner]

Once you choose what vehicle you want, a fridge will be next,


:cool:mmmmm now what do you reckon, Waeco or Engel:whistling:

Baz.

Well that means it has to be a defender, unless you like building vertical structural shelving.

[TerryO]

Reading through this thread, I think I'd better not comment. With both a td5 Disco and a td5 Defender in the driveway, I might be able to make a reasonable comparison between the two.

Nah, can't have that. :p

.


I totally agree, seriously you of all on here should not comment as you have direct first hand recent experience and we all know first hand experience is so unnecessary in any good debate. ....:p

[bob10]

As for all you guys bagging the 75 series.

I said when I posted it I knew the response I was going to get posting that on a LR forum but thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I appreciate my LR for it's comforts and it's cheaper purchase price that a Toyota.

While the TD5 has more power, better fuel economy, smoother and more drivable. The 1HZ on the other hand is an old clunker that just keeps clunking. They are a rock solid motor. The 5 speed gearbox in the Toyota will see welll past 400,000km where LR autos are dieing under 200,000km.



Happy days.

Agree with you on the first point, as for clunking , my TD5 clunks with the best of them. My TD5 manual has 265700 km's & going strong. [ Uh-oh, think I just saw a leprechaun, hope his name isn't Murphy] Bob

[LowRanger]

As for all you guys bagging the 75 series.

I said when I posted it I knew the response I was going to get posting that on a LR forum but thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I appreciate my LR for it's comforts and it's cheaper purchase price that a Toyota.

While the TD5 has more power, better fuel economy, smoother and more drivable. It's a complicated motor that requires better, more expensive oil, specific coolant and it's computer controlled. The 1HZ on the other hand is an old clunker that just keeps clunking. They are a rock solid motor. The 5 speed gearbox in the Toyota will see welll past 400,000km where LR autos are dieing under 200,000km.

If I wanted something noisy and rattling and driving for charater more than comfort, I'd choose a Toyota.

Happy days.

You obviously haven't had a lot of experience with Toyota 5 speeds,they are not renowned for 5th gear lasting a long time;)

[PAT303]

The R151 5 speed in the 75 series doing 400,000k's,mate take a few zero's off and you'd be closer to the truth. Pat

[djam1]

Try putting 25 PSi into the mighty 1hz like we do with TD5s and see how long it lasts.

[justinc]

As for all you guys bagging the 75 series.

I said when I posted it I knew the response I was going to get posting that on a LR forum but thats my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

I appreciate my LR for it's comforts and it's cheaper purchase price that a Toyota.

While the TD5 has more power, better fuel economy, smoother and more drivable. It's a complicated motor that requires better, more expensive oil, specific coolant and it's computer controlled. The 1HZ on the other hand is an old clunker that just keeps clunking. They are a rock solid motor. The 5 speed gearbox in the Toyota will see welll past 400,000km where LR autos are dieing under 200,000km.

If I wanted something noisy and rattling and driving for charater more than comfort, I'd choose a Toyota.

Happy days.

sorry , totally disagree mate, but that's what makes the world go round :)

jc

[DiscoMick]

I have a D1 300Tdi and have considered buying a Defender and preparing it for extended touring.
However, I think the Disco I have would do everything I need with some work on it and be more comfortable on road than the Deefer. The main advantages of the Deefer seem to be the extra luggage space and the 'no-nonsense' minimalist interior.
But I don't think the extra cost of an equivalent Deefer is worth it for what you get though.
I wouldn't consider a 75 Toyota because I think they're crude, over-rated and over-priced.
You need to decide why you want a vehicle and then choose the one that best suits your needs.

[rangie ute on 38'']

I've owned a a def Ute and currently a d2 it's a hard comparison as it's two completely different cars but the d2 is so much more comfortable to drive and still good off-road, the defender was in its element with dogs in the back Out shooting with mud all over the boots and floor limited plastics and electronics to fall apart practical shape for building and modifying but you've gotta put up with banging your elbow on the door and tearing the belt loop out of the back of your pants on the door latch. All said I still prefer a defender

[ozscott]

I like the ride of my 95 disco 1. With its A arm rear end and soft springs it rides a lot like a RRC but not quite as rolly. I love driving the d1 but prefer my d2, mainly because the d2 is a manual but also because the d2 is much more nimble in traffic and getting around roundabouts etc at a reasonable clip. It is definitely still very comfortable especially now with a 2in lift and bilstien shocks.

I like deefers if only for their iconic status and shape. I have driven a few including the most honest of them the County. I prefer my d2. The d2 is such a great combination and off road the 100 in wheelbase is a good thing. The travel on the d2 is excellent. In stock form it goes further off road than a stock d1.

I have found that a d2 in manual form with a decent decent exhaust and mild lift makes a great 4wd....fun and truck like because of swapping your own cogs, a nice sound and sitting up but also comfortable. I have very high high miles on my d1 and d2 and the diffs are shwoing no sigs of problems even after plenty of offroad and heavy towing duties. Engines are both excellent. Interior is in good condition in both. I have mates with similar models. These are well built vehicles and are far from falling apart after 10-20 years.

Cheers

[squizzyhunter]

Thank you very much for all the responses guys, sorry have not replied as was camping.
For the first few points well I the defender chose me as have been obsessed with them for around 15 years….. So no competition as far as character and appeal goes
As far as interior goes …… if things break and don’t effect driving don’t really care too much
Disco = can set up for one or the other- touring or tough trips – This may be an issue
Fuel consumption = a win for the disco
Defender= longer service life= win for Def
Luggage/ sleeping space= win for the defender
A bit of debate on better for different situations and uses (sorry but did not originally add as didn’t want to come across as just wanting someone to “tell me want to do”:confused: thought I just try weigh up previously unperceived differences so that others could also use info not being specific to a certain situation) but if the offer still stands that would be great and very helpful ……. So anyways intended use and situation=
$$$= low income and am still saving, I am looking around 10k (would love to have more to play with but didn’t want to wait another 5 years)
Intended use= sorry but I one of those impossibly frustrating 4x4 newbies that want everything in 1 vehicle……. I do an average of 800km a week 95% on freeway 5%town (so running costs will be an issue). 4x4 will be used on average once every 2 weeks sleeping in the back….. Frazer, Morton, straddie and lots of hinterland. Am aiming to do Cape York in around a years’ time with the hope of doing the “Big lap” or just extended north and central Aus trip. At moment 4x4 is mainly for access to certain areas but am sure I will no doubt end up getting into the “tough stuff” for fun. My partner need to be able to drive it as well “I want to be able to push the clutch in” so she would prefer the comfort of the D2. As for me I don’t care for luxuries and just want something that doesn’t break (Most things I own are ugly, over- engineered and practicality based)

I do love defenders but find it hard to justify the price difference. This large investment for us as we are also saving for house so unfortunately find it hard to justify 100% more $ for the defender just because it is what I “romantically” prefer. I have also considered the 3.1 jackaroos as they are very reliable and good value for money and the Terracan. Have played with the idea of getting a **** box Hyundai for the Hwy commute and an old series wagon for the weekend but prefer the one car option…….. even considered the Gaylander.
So for the price would be looking at a D2 TD5 manual or a High Km’s TDi Defender.

Sorry to those who saw the thread as a useless waste of time, I did not want to start a my Defender is better than your Disco thread. Just wanted to see if there are points that I had not considered in choosing the right vehicle for our situation.
Once again thank you for all the info guys……. I’ve been spending way too long reading some of the other Tech threads this morning this site is looking dangerous to my productivity :):D

[squizzyhunter]

Really is a useless thread...
Seriously though I think all 3 are good 4x4s (since we're now including 75 series). The toyotas are durable, reliable but when they go wrong they often do it in a big way and are WAY overpriced and overrated. Disco, cheap buy in, comfy, they wheel well if not carrying a lot of weight but legal tyre options are too small and then there's the body damage. Defender carrys a load well over rough terrain, between the two for comfort, only problem regards body damage is the roof (on mine at least). The brute force thing must be crack related though ;)
On our Canning Stock Route trip I averaged 11.5 L/100 km (in a 300 Tdi Deafener) and the 2 cruisers averaged 16.5 L/100km. No comparison really.
The main thing is the Disco is much softer in spring rate, will always wheel better empty than the other 2, try putting a tonne on it though.:D

Thanks hadnt thought of the downfall of loading it, as would prefer not to be spendng too much on mods.
Also given the price limitation TDi300 defender would fit the bill well if it wasnt for tho 800km week in Hwy ks..... supose cant have it all eh. But with that amount of ks adding to an already 300000+km ...= trouble???? In comparison to a aprox 150k-200k D2 TD5 for less overhead??????

Not too fussed on how it looks with body damage but i supppose would decrease D2 value alot more if i ever need to sell it

[ozscott]

Most springs on d2 are clapped out by now. Just get one with a lift or do the lift and use whatever spring rate yoj want...Go best of both worlds and use a good compromise spring and load leveller bags for extra heavy. I found stock were a bit soft for 300 kg of downforce on the rear bar.

Cheers

[2stroke]

Apologies for the "useless thread" comment it came out different than intended. I was just adding to a previous post and that the two are very different vehicles, intended for two very different purposes. Though there are many similarities. One is a truck which can carry a load across broken terrain, available with various bodywork. The other is a station wagon which can carry your family and luggage over broken terrain.
If we're still including the 75 series it's a truck designed for those who are either not interested in cars or not interested in working on their car on a trip.:wasntme:

[DiscoMick]

If $10k is your budget then you'll get a lot more Disco than Defender for that money.

[Landy Smurf]

^ I second that. you will struggle to a decent defender for 10k

[2stroke]

If $10k is your budget then you'll get a lot more Disco than Defender for that money.
Very true, especially if you intend doing 800km per week, in fact it's probably worth considering getting a little car for that job, though then there's the rego to consider.

[Yorkie]

if doing 800km a week commute i would think you would be alot more comfy in a disco, some would say you need to be a little 'touched' to own a defender. :o:p:D
the disco would also be fine for a bit of 4x4ing on a weekend with a simple lift and decent a/t tyres and you can get one in your budget. :)

[phibbzy]

So basically, what you're saying, is that everyone who owns a Discovery aspires to be like you? With water leaking on your right foot as you drive, wind noise in your ear, and a hunched right shoulder? But because we don't have them we're all poor?

FYI before I got either of my cars, I looked at a Defender, but doing 150 highway km's a day ruled it out, my previous comment about the money is because I don't have that much for a second car.

I missed the non emotive part in the OP but, No, That's not what I'm saying. Put your pitchfork away, I'm innocent :(

By saying a poor man pays twice is not a reflection on the Disco. I'm suggesting (emotively) that if the OP wants a Defender and is purely put of by the cost then it might just be worth saving for the one he wants outright.

I read the OP as saying
but if money was not an issue I would happily drop the comfort of the disco for the agricultural bounce of the Defender handbrake and all.

I guess this spoke a lot to how I worded my post.

[squizzyhunter]

I missed the non emotive part in the OP but, No, That's not what I'm saying. Put your pitchfork away, I'm innocent :(

By saying a poor man pays twice is not a reflection on the Disco. I'm suggesting (emotively) that if the OP wants a Defender and is purely put of by the cost then it might just be worth saving for the one he wants outright.

I read the OP as saying .

I guess this spoke a lot to how I worded my post.

cheers mate apreciate the input but that 1st post quoted wasnt my one... though I did say the non emotive part in the original post, as didnt want a mines better than yours posting war:):). I would not have a go at you for helping me with info, or so id like to think anyways... so sorry if it came accross like that phibbzy.

I think i should have worded my post better in hindsight.... value for money as if there isnt massive downfalls of the Disco for my situation I cannot justify 100% more (10k extra for Td5 or about same for a trashed Tdi defender with 400000km on it) for what amounts to a romantic preference. Though I definatly hear you on the go after what you want aproach which i aggree with. I just find it hard to justify to myself (and my wife) too pay double because i prefer the basic nature and "look" of the defender. Which amounts (for us) to another aprox 1-2 yrs of saving. I would love a Unimog too but....
not at the opertunity cost of missing x amount of years of fun 4x4 weekends. I was going to get a 3.1 jackaroo because of reliable iZu drive line and cheap but thought the disco might be happy medium.

Thanks for the help so far:thumbsup::thumbsup: