Thread: D1 v D2.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

It's hard to justify a MD because of the way it works and the need to cut the axle housing for the acutator. I'd also do one of the other 3 suggested.

What I do have is a MD in a D1. What I don’t currently have is the $$$ for the other options. Getting ahead of myself anyway.

I have had a D1 and D2 for close to 20 years. Love them both. The D2 handles better and is quite a step up in safety both passive and active. The fuel economy on the V8 was far better in D2. The D2 handles and brakes better. The D1 had a little more character and softer suspension off road. Stock with CDL the D2 (and even without it) beat the D1 offroad (even with the D1's long supple suspension) due mainly to the electronic traction control when cross axled. Having said that the D1 felt very Brit and was a lovely vehicle in V8 form (the tdi was loud and an absolute snail for my liking but its a matter of preference). The doors all went to outer steel in D2 and the alloy bonnet went very heavy. Cheers

yea, the first time you go to lift a d2 bonnet its omg whats this made of?? helium?

I can't compare comfort to a d1 as have not spent much time in them but my d2 is the most comfortable of all cars I've been in. Suffering chronic pain and all sorts of discomfort, I never get any from it. Only cloth seats, no power in them. But even when been to Melbourne and back in a day, always so comfortable. Would love rycaro seats though

Quite a few Patrol folk fit XR6 seats. Might have to look into that if I keep the D2. XR6 seats are great. Well, from BA upwards. Dunno about the earlier ones.

Might have to look into that if I keep the D2

Good luck with that.
The D2 seats and bases are one unit and are asymmetrical, IE there is a left and right and the inner mounts are much higher than the outers.
To fit alternate seats you have to cut the bases from the seat frame , then in the case of Recaros weld runners to the bases above the seat belt mount points and pyrotechnic mounts.
Any normal seats with runners that are separate from the bases will need this.
Regards PhilipA

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Good luck with that.

Regards PhilipA

Well, I wasn't expecting plug and play.

I bought my D1 when it was out of a 2 year lease for a bank manager. One of the first things I did was replace the shocks and springs with Billies and Kings.
This improved the ride and handling dramatically.
During this time, I drove a couple of D2s and compared to my D1, they seemed to me, to be a little 'Vague'. Definitely not to any great degree but noticeable to me. It's a bit like when I get out of the old '93 Tojo 'tilly, with an extra spring leaf all round and then jump into the D3 with air suspension. The 'Floatiness' of the D3 is noticeable there, too. Oh so more comfy though!

Off road, having done several trips in the D1, in the company of D2s, I never noticed any marked off road ability difference. I've always taken off road, vehicle performance as 'Indicitive only' as the driver is the most telling aspect, IMO.