Thread: Freelander 2 or Discovery 3 ?

Mike, the reason the FL2 auto overheats on long climbs is because there is no low range. What's happening; a given amount of torque is required for the climb. In order to generate that torque the FL2 engine has to run a certain revs, probably around 2000, but at a road speed less than ideal for 2000rpm hence torque multiplication. At that point the torque convertor isn't locked up so the turbine and stator at rotating at quite different speeds. This generates heat, hence the problem. It worsens as vehicle weight increases, length of climb, and the slower you have to go. Using low range pretty much fixes the problem allowing the engine to operate in its best torque band, the vehicle to travel slowly, and even better the low gearing multiplies the torque instead of relying on the torque conventor to do it. The torque convertor is indeed fluid but is the same concept as on the D3, and the electronics don't come into the equation in this instance.

Basically the FL2 is a capable vehicle for its class -- it is the best non-low-range 4WD -- but it is nowhere near a D3 or similar offroad, and especially not once you put a proper touring load on and consider longevity, offroad safety margins and how easy obstacles are tackled.

The Jeep has low range and is designed to use it in difficult obstacles, which is why it appears to need it. A fairer comparison would be the Patriot which is designed to get as far as it can without low range, as is the FL2. The Jeep may be heavier with the same power and torque, but its low range gives a torque multiplication effect which would see it kill the FL2 for torque at the wheels.