Medium Sized 4WD???

[Jamo]

Does anyone know why 4x4Australia refers to the Discovery as a medium sized 4WD.

In their latest offering, a mag about trip preparation, they state that there are only two full sized 4WD on the market, LC & Patrol.

Last time I looked the D3 was bigger, more powerful and could carry more adult passengers than either of these wagons. :? :? :? :?

[noddy]

Apparently it has something to do with how the VFACTS (body which comprises the sales figures) classifies vehicles.

I think the TDV6 2.7 is categorised as 'medium' compared with the 4.2 lumps in the Nissans and Toyos. Does not really explain the petrol engines though :?

[drivesafe]

Jamo, go to their forum and give them a bit of stick or at least point out the error of the ways :wink:

[Phoenix]

I actually had a discussion woth somebody on the Overlander forum about just that recently. It has to do with the Vfacts clasifications.

Certain points acrue for having low range, diesel engine etc. Do you want to know why the D3 doesn't get into the large wagon catagory. 1 reason only. because the TDV6 is under 3L in capacity. Stupid, but true :roll:

[Jamo]

I tried to join the OL forum last week but someone has used my username.

I'll have to find another one and join.

I email 4x4Australia yesterday and got a reply back today confirming the VFact issue. I was impressed with their promptness.

[Ace]

The D1 and D2 were considerably smaller than the Cruiser and Patrol and hence were classed as a medium 4wd, like the Paj and Playdo. I agree the D3 should be reclassified, but as said above the engine capacity might have something to do with it. Matt

[stevo68]

Hey all,

I read that too and was surprised, especially considering with the V8, we love opening cans of whoopaz on unsuspecting LC's and Patrols, especially at the lights 8) , though aint game enough to do that to a Cayenne https://www.aulro.com/afvb/............yet,

Regards

Stevo

[p38arover]

That may explain why the RR classic was classed as a large 4WD and the Disco 1 a medium 4WD even though the D1 was built on the same chassis and was almost identical, mechanically.

Wait. The D1 had the same engine as the RR to start as well.

Blowed if I know - especially considering the towing capacity of LR products (except Freelander) is 3500kg - something that some of the Jap 4WDs can't match.

Ron

[noddy]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Wait. The D1 had the same engine as the RR to start as well.[/b][/quote]

The original D1 (1989) had the 3.5 V8, while the Rangie jumped to the 3.9.

Still does not quite make sense though. Would be interesting to know what the cut-off is between 'BIG'....'MEDIUM' and 'SMALL'.... :wink:

[Jamo]

Originally posted by p38arover

Blowed if I know - especially considering the towing capacity of LR products (except Freelander) is 3500kg - something that some of the Jap 4WDs can't match.

Ron

I was speaking to the mechanic at the local Nissan dealer a while back (as he is also the Suby dealer and I was getting a service on the Forester) and he said that some of the farmers around here seem to think that their Patrols have towing capacities of 5 to 8 tonne!! Funny how Nissan won't pay a warranty claims for a twisted chassis!

[VladTepes]

Originally posted by p38arover
That may explain why the RR classic was classed as a large 4WD and the Disco 1 a medium 4WD even though the D1 was built on the same chassis and was almost identical, mechanically.

Wait. The D1 had the same engine as the RR to start as well.

Ron

Was the D1 available as a 7 seater? Coz the Rangie never has been.


Maybe its bigger as in price tag ??? (WOuld explain the D1 vs Rangie thing)

but of course the D3 would certainly qualify on that criteria. (A criteria which, of course, would ake the Cayenne a "bloody huge" 4wd).


I'll bet if you got on the 4x4 or overlander forums and pointed out the actual facts re size, carrying capacity, towing capacity etc and say "Even Land Rover's 'medium' 4wds are better than Jap 'large ones' - you'd get a fun reaction. https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[Phoenix]

That would be an interesting conversation of somebody took the bait https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

I might sent an e-mail to Vfacts to query their criteria in making the D3 a meadium vehicle. It would make interesting reading. Maybe the engine size was the average of the available engines. That would make sense of the rangie / D1 issue as the 200 and 300 TDI would have brought the average size down as they are 2.5L engies.

[Jamo]

The question appears to have been posted on the OL forum.

8O 8O 8O 8O 8O

[Ace]

Originally posted by stevo68
Hey all,

I read that too and was surprised, especially considering with the V8, we love opening cans of whoopaz on unsuspecting LC's and Patrols, especially at the lights 8) , though aint game enough to do that to a Cayenne https://www.aulro.com/afvb/............yet,
Regards

Stevo

You would need a Supercharged RRS for that. Matt