Real world TDV6 vs SDV6

**DiscoWeb** · 14th April 2014, 11:52 AM

Originally Posted by DiscoFan

Hi all, first post so be gentle.

I've done a search and can't find any real world driving comparisons between the D4 TDV6 and SDV6.

I'm currently looking to purchase a D4 and am tossing up between a brand new TDV6, with a few options, or a demonstrator SDV6 SE.

Even with options, the TDV6 will be considerably cheaper and I'd get the exact exterior/interior colour combo I want. With a demo vehicle, it'd be hard to find that perfect combo.

Any thoughts from people who've driven both 3.0l versions in terms of real world performance/towing differences?

Thanks.

Disco Fan, I drive a 2.7 TDV6 D3 so can not really help in your requested live comparison however must say that for me the 2.7 has done everything I want and more.

However all the people I have spoken to (or the views I recall being expressed on this forum) seem to say;

"The lower tune 3.0 is a very good and capable engine but once you have driven the high tuned version it is just that much nicer, smoother an effortless."

The biggest differentiator now seems to be the new ZF 8 speed, sounds like a gem of an auto box.

Seems to me that it ultimately comes down to affordability, intended use and what you want from your vehicle. The lower tuned 3.0 does the job really well but the high tune is simply a bit better.

Hope that helps in your deliberation.

Regards,

George

**DiscoFan** · 26th April 2014, 03:18 PM

Well, drove the TDV6 and SDV6 back to back today to get a seat of the pants comparison.

As others have said, if I'd just driven the TDV6, I'd be stoked with it. Smooth, powerful and refined with the 8 speed.

But, as others have also said, the SDV6 is a pearla. Despite noticeably more lag from a standstill, the mid range grunt is addictive. Interesting that peak torque comes in 500rpm earlier in the TDV6. I definitely noticed that.

Will have to see what sort of deals they're prepared to do before deciding. Think I'd be happy with either engine.

Seems people are picking D4s up for well under the published RRPs. Is it worth waiting until end of financial year? Have others had success around this time of year?

**AnD3rew** · 27th April 2014, 06:22 AM

I have to admit to not having driven either of the 3.0lt options, but I have been a very happy 2.7lt driver for the past 5 years in my D3 and I have never felt my car was underpowered, in fact it still gives me a thrill every time I drive it.

I am sure I would love either of the 3.0 options if I drove them, but the car doesn't NEED more power

**Blue C** · 27th April 2014, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by AnD3rew

I have to admit to not having driven either of the 3.0lt options, but I have been a very happy 2.7lt driver for the past 5 years in my D3 and I have never felt my car was underpowered, in fact it still gives me a thrill every time I drive it.

I am sure I would love either of the 3.0 options if I drove them, but the car doesn't NEED more power

I have to agree with the above although when towing full laden ~1800kg camper with all family and gear onboard I have always left plenty of space to overtake with my 2.7TDV6 (or simply didn't overtake). However it's quite adequate.
Now that I am the fortunate owner of a MY14 3.0 SDV6 (2wks now) I have to say the latter is truly sensational and the 8 speed is silky smooth. If I am honest I would agree I don't need the extra power......but I do like it.

**101RRS** · 27th April 2014, 12:42 PM

Originally Posted by Blue C

Now that I am the fortunate owner of a MY14 3.0 SDV6 (2wks now) I have to say the latter is truly sensational and the 8 speed is silky smooth. If I am honest I would agree I don't need the extra power......but I do like it.

But is the extra Zoom Zoom worth the many thousands of dollars on a new vehicle.

A few thou yes but not what they are asking.

Garry

**Greatsouthernland** · 27th April 2014, 12:50 PM

Originally Posted by Blue C

I have to agree with the above although when towing full laden ~1800kg camper with all family and gear onboard I have always left plenty of space to overtake with my 2.7TDV6 (or simply didn't overtake). However it's quite adequate.
Now that I am the fortunate owner of a MY14 3.0 SDV6 (2wks now) I have to say the latter is truly sensational and the 8 speed is silky smooth. If I am honest I would agree I don't need the extra power......but I do like it.

Thanks for sharing. I've been going through the same thought process as the OP, but like you WANT the extra Nm.

Could you share your purchase experience & approx price, did you get 3 years free servicing? Perhaps PM if you like...

Enjoy!

**DiscoFan** · 27th April 2014, 01:09 PM

After doing the sums with the full RRP price list, I've now pretty much convinced myself that the TDV6 with the options I want is the way to go.

Most of the options I want are also extras on the SE, aside from leather (upgraded sound system, reverse camera, front parking aid, xenon headlamps, active rear diff, and sun roof). I can get all of that on the TDV6 for under $90k on the road, full retail. No doubt it'd end up mid eighties with some negotiation.

For the same on the SE I'd be looking at over $100k for essentially the same car with the different engine. $15k is a lot extra for some more grunt.

I'll be driving the TDV6 again in isolation to decide for sure but I was very impressed with the engine yesterday.

**Blue C** · 27th April 2014, 01:32 PM

Originally Posted by garrycol

But is the extra Zoom Zoom worth the many thousands of dollars on a new vehicle.

A few thou yes but not what they are asking.

Garry

Yes fair point Garry. In answer to the OP's query I would say that the 3.0TDV6 would be more than adequate for most people in most situations and if he can get the colour and specs he wants in a new TDV6 then he'll have a permagrin regardless! Regards, David

**Blue C** · 27th April 2014, 01:42 PM

Originally Posted by Greatsouthernland

Thanks for sharing. I've been going through the same thought process as the OP, but like you WANT the extra Nm.

Could you share your purchase experience & approx price, did you get 3 years free servicing? Perhaps PM if you like...

Enjoy!

I bought locally and got Fuji White HSE with rear e-diff, adaptive bi-xenons/auto hi beam assist,blind spot monitoring/reverse traffic detection,cold climate pack,full length (black) roof rails, mud mats, tow bar sleeve + UV Shield and 3 yrs free servicing and paid a bit over $105K. regards, David

**WhiteD3** · 27th April 2014, 03:40 PM

I drive a 2.7, 6 speed. My two bosses drive the 3.0, 8 speed. The 3.0 goes like a cut snake and the 8 speed is a gem. They both tow boats.

I don't tow and even if I did I can't see the worth in paying thousands more for the 3.0. When the 2.7 came out everyone raved about it and what a good tow vehicle it was. This is still the case, just that the 3.0 is better still.

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