Thread: D2 Vs P38, the D2 side

I assume you are comparing a 4.6 V8 P38A (more readily available than the 4.0) vs the V8 DII which is only available as a 4.0.

If I could buy either vehicle, I'd probably go with the DII if I can find one without the SLS. The EAS and the HVAC systems on the P38A will be big ticket repair items and could "let you down" (pardon the pun) if you are miles away from nowhere. Also, the DII would have a real center diff lock (if equipped) whereas the P38A has an arguably less effective viscous coupling.

But if it were a city only vehicle, then the P38A will simply be more comfortable and feel more comfortable.

The 4.0 V8 is a bit lacking and the 4.6 V8 is only acceptable, given the alarming thirst for unleaded.

There are more aftermarket bits for a DII, so you can build it up a lot more easily than a P38A - ever seen a snorkel equipped Rangie?

So there you have it - if you want to do a bit of real outback touring and offroading, the DII is probably the better choice. The P38A would be more at home in a leafy green suburb. Preferably not too far away from a LR specialist...

C'Mon D2ers! I am on the verge of buying a P38 here! Is there no other reason why I shouldn't?

There is a feature on the DII which is not available on the P38A - ACE (Active Cornering Enhancement).

Take a DII around a corner quickly onroad, or take it through very badly rutted tracks and the ACE system will really allow the suspension work far better than what the P38A can do.

Or try to find a proper bullbar for a Range Rover P38A!

Simple really, the D2 has a diesel option

Also after market accessories are more available for the D2.

Baz.

I went through the same a year ago and a few glaring things stuck in my mind to help convince me;

If you are sticking to a budget, you will always get a better condition/newer D2 than a Rangie,

If going a V8, late 99 onwards d2's had the Bosch electronics (older had lucas) and this was a MAJOR improvement in reliability. RR's were 2000' onwards???

Every Rangie I looked at had multiple things wrong with it, particularly electronic things, and I came to the realisation that it wasn't a matter of finding a perfect P38, it was a matter of finding one with the LEAST amount of problems. Even an owner (seller) agreed with me on that one!

If you like to go around corners at inappropriate speeds, a Disco with ACE is the only ticket- AWESOME feature!

Hope this helps,

Darian

The answers easy, get the one you want. The hard bit is working out how to get to that answer.
The D2 is better, for me.It has the diesel option which is a great engine, very reliable, very comfortable, VERY upgradeable and kind of fun in a bomp bomp bomp kind of way.
As a tall guy I appreciate the space of a disco, I never really felt comfortable in a rangie and with a cargo barrier I just load the rear and off I go.
Its extremely comfortable on long trips, and on those (now) infrequent ocaissions I go bush its really confidence inspiring.
Its pretty sensible and comfortable, very capable car much more so IMHO than the P38.
Its a lot more upgradeable and customisable than the P38.
Its built off the original RR classic platform, which is probably the best off-roader out there but the D2 has the advantages listed above.
But, the P38 looks great especially the later HSE models with their flash interior. Its not as good off road as the RR classic or a D2 but Im sure its the equal as a tourer if petrol prices dont scare you off.
Essentially, drive one of each around for a bit and see which one you want to go back to. Make yr decision with your heart and a sensible head If you still cant decide, just wait until an phenomenal example of either comes up first and get that

The P38 had less usable space in the rear (cargo) and from memory only traction control on the rear axle. It does not have a locking centre diff, but a viscous diff. It has a hell of a lot more to go wrong than a coiler D2 or for that matter an air hung rear end D2. I dont know if the later models had this but the early ones had the mastercylinder as an integral part of the ABS modulator where both had to be replaced at once...at horrendous cost. To be honest I prefer the ride and handling of my coiler D2 over my brother in laws (now sold) 95 P38A. Lot more mods for a D2.

Cheers

All Stop.
he's buying the RR,,,


I really hope we dont hear any bad stories about his P38a,,,