300 TDI or V8

[Emo]

OK, the time is getting closer to buying another 4x4. Land Rover Discovery is very high on the short list so I was after some advise as to which people prefer, the turbo diesel or the V8. My budget ($17k - $18k) will only stretch to a Series 1 (hopefully around 1997) so I'm really not interested in how much better the Series 2 is.

Turbo Diesel
Pros
Good fuel efficiency
Long lasting engines
Good cruising range

Cons
Noisey
Timing belt problems
More frequent servicing

V8
Pros
Beautiful engine sound
More to choose from
Cheaper to buy than the TDi

Cons
Bad fuel economy
Poor touring range

I would really like to get some opinions as to what people think about what they drive and why they recommend one over the other.

[Defender200Tdi]

Hi Emo

This was discussed quite recently and you can see it all here (http://www.aulro.com/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=749).

You've listed the pros & cons pretty much as everyone else would put them, but maybe you could add one con to the Tdi list - it's slow, especially compared to the V8 (which is isn't really particularly fast).

Having said that, the Disco's are fine vehicles, V8 or Tdi. But if I were buying one for mixed use and could afford the fuel cost, I'd get a V8 again. I love my 'fender Tdi, but it's my toy, not a daily driver.


Paul

[Timmo]

Agree with most of those....fuel economy is an issue you need to work out what suits you, the V8 is thirsty though...i work on about 18lt/100km around town and 15-16lt/100km on the highway.

One point which is arguable is the tdi being a longer lasting engine. The V8 being bigger doesn't need to work as hard, and being naturally aspirated, less compression so may last longer than the tdi.

I am sure you are aware of how important regular timing belt changes are on the tdi - apart from that great engine. Dad did 330,000km with his 200tdi disco, without any major malfunctions, although it did need a head gasket when he finally traded in.

[bigbugga]

V8 is keeping me happy.

[Mick-Kelly]

Just bought a Tdi and i love it. They are a slow beast though. Its a shock at first when you have to floor it to get it up and going in traffic. :roll:

[one_iota]

This slow thing with Tdi's is greatly exaggerated.

Sure from a standing start you are not going to have the acceleration to be first to the next red light and overtaking on the open road needs to be a considered act.

However in the real world I get to work at about the same time as a V8 would. On the open road using the engine and gearbox correctly I can cruise legally and illegally as fast as a V8, I can climb hills as well as a 3.5l V8 and sometimes better with a load. I often have to pass vehicles on a hill after their frantic efforts to pass me on the flat.

When you put the diesel in low first and crawl down a hill you have to love that engine compression/braking and likewise up a steep slope at about 2000 rpm in low second and still get 10/l per 100km and do it for 780 km without refilling.....I rest my case

But you can't ever say that the diesel rattle matches the sweet sound of a V8

[Bytemrk]

While I've barely been a discovery owner for long enough to comment..... and I do suffer from a chronic case of horsepower fever...

I'd say get out there and test drive a few.... see if you can get one of each from a dealer for a few hours take it for a real drive..... not just around the block

All your arguments are sound.... I've just gone through the same thing myself.... one_iotas comments are absolutely spot on - I think the slow this is exagerated - and it would be really nice to get 780km out of a tank

... but for me, anyway, only way I'll do that is put in a bigger tank 8O

.....What can I say. :oops: ... I'm a petrol head .

...... guilty as charged your honor :wink:

[LRHybrid100]

Sold my pride and Joy a couple of months ago:

1996 Disco 300TDI Auto
Ironman shock's and Rangie Spares springs giving it a two inch lift
BFG AT KO 235/70 * 16
Milford Cargo Barrier

Best car I have owned SO FAR......

[Mick-Kelly]

Not too worried about the overall speed as was said it all works out in the end. The only drama that worried me was that it litterally has to be pedal to the metal to get the beast shuffling along

[harry]

8) well apart from the v8 being slightly higher and more thirsty than my old fairlane [old] i reckon the v8 is very good, it drives like a normal car, sorta, and if you don't try to run with the dunny doors it copes very well in city driving, off road its amazing, i am new to fwd and the disco has been forgiving, with a little bit of help from the people on this site, i have learn't to drive it in most situations without fear.
8) harry

[Jojo]

I'd go for the Tdi, definitely. Will save you big bucks in fuel over the years. If you are buying a '97 model the cambelt should have been changed anyway and the improved one been fitted (check for that). The Tdi is by no means slow (compared to a SII anyway), and who needs race cars on Australian roads anyway??? :wink:

[Emo]

Thanks for the input everyone. I have driven both and still cannot decide which one I prefer. I guess that I'll keep my eye on the second hand market and see what comes up when I've got some cash to buy one.

[LRHybrid100]

V8's are REAL cheap at the moment - TDI's still command good money.

[tdivic]

Hi Emo, I too went through the same soul searching as you are doing at the moment. I came up with all the same pro's and con's that you have and eventually brought a tdi. I have only had it since sept'03 so I cant tell you much about long term ownership suffice to say I agree with everyone else's opinions.
regards
Vic.