Thread: D1 vs D2

Hey mate,

D2 has to be Td5 (just so you know).

I've had both a D1 and D2 (both diesels) and currently have a D2. Would have to say the D2 is more comfy and has more power but uses more fuel than the D1 with the Tdi motor. A lot of people are put off by the more complicated electrics of the D2 but I think they're great. I have SLS (self levelling suspension) in the rear which is great for towing and loading up. There is plenty of info on the forum - check out the good oil section (and there is a top link in the D2 section on buying used as well)

Cheers,

Pricey.

just a few differences
The D2 is longer in the back, so more room to pack things.
My D1 had a tighter turning circle than my D2.
The doors open further on a D1 . The front seats had more travel rearward on my D1 than my current D2.
but the D2 is nicer to drive than my D1 .
D1 uses wheel bearings that can be changed, D2 you need to replace the hub as bearings are pressed in not serviceable.
D1 uses Tdi300 easier to work on simple mechanics, D2 Has more powerful TD5 that has ECUs, so computers ,where as D1 hasn't.
D2 TD5 faster, D1 300Tdi slow

When you ask that sort of question the only answers you will get will be opinions and every ones opinion is just that!

My opinion is that the D1 is smaller and because of that lends itself to be slightly better if set up for more extreme off road use, big rubber big lift and lockers all round.

The D2 is bigger and so is slightly better suited to be set up as a comfortable touring rig. It is pretty handy in stock form for off road use. The potential benefits of a well sorted D1 off road though are at the marginal end of things so my vote goes to D2.

If you want minimal fuss then coil sprung. If you want max comfort and all the benefits of technology then go for SLSuspension and ACE. SLS is easily modified if you want a lift and ACE provides better articulation off road as well as better cornering on road. In my opinion, in standard trim the standard non ACE anti roll bar is stiff for good on road cornering but does limit off road articulation a little too much.

In my experience expect both to be an ongoing labour of love.

With a family (4 pax) the D1 was too small for camping. Loaded and towing a camping trailer the 300tdi was a bit underpowered too (it has >300K km so it could be a bit tired too). I have a 50lt Waeco and and it only just fits lengthwise in the back WITHOUT the handles attached. Having said that we did do 6 weeks through the Gulf and Arnhemland and it was faultless. Lack of electronics was possibly a bonus with a few inches of water flowing through the cabin floor too.

Thanks for the quick responses!! .

Because the D1 is mechanically simpler does it cost less to have it serviced?

Also, is it really cramped in the back of a D1 (as in uncomfortable for trips longer than 100km) and does the D1 lack overtaking power? can this be solved with an upgrade? (or engine swap?). Hows the V8 run on gas?

Cheers,

QWOPPER

I find the rear seats of my D2 more comfortable and have more leg room, being slightly wider, no so squishy in the rear. The extra leg room athough it comes from the limited front seat rear travel, I'm 6'4" and I notice in the D2 I'm closer to the wheel.
Also the rear seats have headrests so rear vision is not as good as my D1 had.
I could not fit a waeco 50 litre fridge length ways with handles attached in the D1, but D2 no probs.
You said you want it for touring, then the D2 IMHO is the better alternative.
Servicing costs, depends on if you pay some one or you can swing spanners. Even someone who is not the sharpest tool in the shed, can still maintain them with a proper service manual. Lube oil changes filter changes as per specs and usuage. Regular maintenance is the key. Parts are readily available and reasonably priced,( compared to toyo and nissan)
Mine has ace and sls, some prefer to convert the rear airbags to coils, but airbags are not overly expensive anyway, 20 mins to remove and refit and enjoy a smooth ride, hook up a trailer and it bum heavy it raises automatically to keep ride height.

Mine is a V8 on sequential gas injection, range is approx 380kms, so touring range is limited, more gas stops, diesels have greater range in between refills, so depending on where you travel, LPG might be hard to find (remote outback), but in the long run I think the LPG works out cheaper to run if you get 20 litre per 100kms @55cpl LPG cost $11.00 per 100kms traveled + less in service costs vs Diesel 11 litres per 100 kms @$1.60 per litre =cost $17.60 per 100kms with more service costs, But it all depends on what you pay at the pump. Cheaper diesel would make the comparison void
A V8 on straight petrol is unaffordable, it will drink your bank account dry quickly

The V8 runs well on gas so long as you get the right system, the right plugs and leads and tune-up settings for LPG. You can expect 10% power loss at higher speed, virtually none at low speeds with a simple mixer system. About 40-50% running cost savings.

The 300TDi responds well to diesel gas enhancement, AKA "LPG fumigation". About 20% more power and 10% reduced running costs.

Can you swap D2 (or even D3/4) seats into the D1? can the rear bench be swapped between a D1 and D2?