Thread: Objectively - which is best? Stage 1 vs County vs Defender

The problem with any comparison such as this is to decide what criteria you use to define "best".

The way i have looked at it is that the Isuzu engine was fitted to both the County and the Stage 1 Series 3. So there is no engine difference.

From an operational point of view, the coils have it all over the leaf springs, with a better ride and better articulation, and better axle location and torque reaction. The only drawback is that the shockers have to work harder with coils, and the steering geometry is a bit compromised.

As far as driveability goes, all County trim 110s had power steering (not fitted to all 110s) and this was not available on the Stage 1. Turning circle is better on the 110 as well, mainly because of the wider track. Drive train is the same on both.

So I conclude that by any measure, the County beats the Stage 1.

Now consider County vs Defender Tdi. Here the result is less clearcut, partly because they are very similar designs. The main difference is the engine. Here the Tdi engine has the advantages of being both lighter and more powerful. As against this the Isuzu is more durable and has perhaps better low down torque, plus no turbo lag.

I can't come to any definite conclusion based on the engine, so let's look at other differences. models from 1987 on had thicker doors, which probably rattle less, but lose elbow room. Perhaps more important is that later Defenders used weaker CV joints. Looking at gearboxes - early Countys used the almost indestructible LT95, but only four speeds. The other key difference is drum vs disc rear brakes fitted from about 1992. Discs are superior,but the difference is not all that significant.

All in all, I find little to choose between the County and Tdi Defender, but picked the County because that is what I have.

John

Originally Posted by JDNSW

The problem with any comparison such as this is to decide what criteria you use to define "best".<snip>

I bet Toyota owners could use this against "Land Rover's" The Best 4X4XFar or Best 4X4X40 years marketing device.

Originally Posted by one_iota

The County also came with the 3.5 V8

Yes it did but is there any comparison with the Isuzu County or is the V8 County just one of the also rans?

A couple of thorough discussisons there thanks.

Basd on the evidence to dat>

1. I won't be selling a Defender to get a County
2 If I had neither and was after something in a 110 wheelbase I'd probably get a County.

Hmm County 130 now there's a thought !

I wouldn't have any of them as a daily driver, having said that, for my money it would be an Isuzu County with turbo and rear disc brakes.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Yes it did but is there any comparison with the Isuzu County or is the V8 County just one of the also rans?

My post was merely an early clarification.

So I think I'll leave your question for the V8 County owners to argue the case.

I'm staying well out of the voting on this one..I'm happy with my also ran and have no desire to travel further back in time than I have already.

My 2c.

A County is basically a more refined Stage 1 (i.e with PAS, Coils, Wind up windows, better seats and interior, 14 extra BHP, 5 spd option, etc, etc).

So no contest - County beats a defender - the basics are the same, but the county is much more comfortable, more refined, and easier to drive.

A 300tdi defender comes with rear discs (most 200's not), and is newer so generally in a bit better condition, and is slightly more economical. But on the downside: thinner panels (dents more easily), matchsticks for rear trailing arms, less reliable/long lived motor, a rubber band where there should be steel (timing gears). The 200 also has the LT77 box (enough said).

So my order of preference would be:

3.9D county w turbo and disc conversion
200tdi 110 w disc conversion AND R380 conversion
3.9D county (stock)
200tdi 110 (stock)
300tdi 110
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3.9D Stage 1

The County has the better CV joints, and the Salisbury rear diff. Mine was already converted to 4 wheel discs and is a brilliant stopper. I reckon the 5 speed box really makes it as a long legged tourer. The Isuzu returns up to 30 mpg.

Could do with more foot and leg room, better seats, and the damned handbrake moved out of the foot well.