Terrain Response and manual gearbox

[spelchek]

Hi all. Just joined this morning and am looking at a td4-e freelander 2 at the moment. My biggest (well only) hesitation on the manual model is wondering how much of a disadvantage off-road the manual would be comp. to the auto. I've started a thread discussing this in the Freelander forum, but thought I'd throw it out to the general LR community.

The feeling seems to be (on the FL forum) that the lack of low-range makes the auto the smart choice for off-roading. I'd be interested to hear points of view on this from anyone who's LR has Terrain Response and a manual. Anyone who can poiunt me to any good information on TR or comparison between auto/manual would be very much appreciated, also.

My main use will be on-road, but am looking forward to the possibility of some beach runs and light off-roading.

Oh, and on looking over the aulro forums during today, I'm well aware and prepared for any and all friendly ribbing over buying the 'baby' Land Rover. Be warned tho, I am well known for inflicting serious hangovers on those who choose to engage me in shooting the **** about specifics of cars and cars in general :p.

Glad to have found this place, and looking forward to joining the LR 'family' ASAP.

[jddisco200tdi]

I would say that a manual freeloader will have very limited hill climbing ability, whereas the auto get torque multiplication from the converter so is much better.
Hill decent will take care of the downhill side of things.

Regards

John D - Defender 110 2.4

[Tote]

And the auto will mask any turbo lag as well making it easier to live with on a daily basis.
Regards,
Tote

[isuzubob]

My main use will be on-road, but am looking forward to the possibility of some beach runs and light off-roading.


For your intended purpose it should be fine. The only time you might struggle (a bit) is taking off in really soft sand, or exiting a beach run up a dune. But techniques/experience can help - and usually you won't be the only one on the beach ;)

Rob W

[rmp]

Don't buy the manual FL2 for any offroading beyond a good dirt road.

[spelchek]

Don't buy the manual FL2 for any offroading beyond a good dirt road.

Wow - so man/auto are like chalk and cheese then with respect to offroad ability? I thought the auto might make things a bit easier, but do you really think the manual precludes offroading that much?

[rmp]

Wow - so man/auto are like chalk and cheese then with respect to offroad ability? I thought the auto might make things a bit easier, but do you really think the manual precludes offroading that much?

Yes. Of course, you can force the car there, but think of the clutch wear. There is a difference between "can the car get there" and "can it get there safely, sensibly with reasonable risk and stress/wear/damage".

[AnD3rew]

I used to believe that all 4x4's should always be manual but now I have a D3 auto with terrain response and after having some serious off road play with it, I can honestly say that a LAnd Rover with auto and terrain response will go places that a Manual never will, and will get you out of trouble. You can always switch to command shift if you want to select and hold a gear yourself.

I don't have experience with the FL2 but I am told it is pretty impressive in the rough stuff with Auto and TR response even without the low range and extra Discovery goodies.