Thread: Discovery 3 vs Range Rover

Welcome aboard.
There are 2 roads you can take with the Range Rover.Im guessing you are talking the Sport,which is basically a shorter version of the D3 with more luxury.They will do the towing and are just as capable as the D3 off-road,they may lack the room you need.There is a full size Range Rover,they would be dearer than the D3,plenty of room,bigger motors,very capable off road.
Andrew

Not sure about the price differences. You are correct that the D3 and RR sport of the same age are the same car underneath. There are some internal trim differences with the RR being the higher spec. The main difference is the extra seats in the D3 and more space in the back.

The diesels are good and use less fuel, unless you do a lot of Kms though it isn't worth paying a lot extra for the diesel just to save on fuel. Otherwise it is pretty much personal preference as to what engine you prefer.

There are some really nice engines the RRS got which the D3 didn't.Twin turbo V8 diesel and a supercharged V8 petrol
Andrew

Discovery 3 comes in coil springs in lower spec versions or air suspension. I think most agree air suspension gives a better ride. All range rovers from 1995 have air suspension.

The D3 is mechanically generally very similar to the Range Rover sport (RRS). However not so similar to the Range Rover Vogue L322. The L322 models began in 2002. But I'll assume you are looking at anything from 2005 which is when the D3/RRS (L319/L320) started.

The L322 (from 2007), RRS and D3 had similar spec ZF 6 speed transmissions (5.0 v8 tranny has highest torque spec), transfer box and terrain response. The 2005/6 L322s don't have terrain response unlike all D3 & RRS models.

The RRS & L322 shared a tdv8 3.6 motor from about 2007 (RRS might be later). The early D3/RRS and 2005/6 L322 shared a 4.4 na petrol v8. The RRS and L322 also got the 4.2 super charged v8. The D3 & RRS shared a tdv6 2.7. This is the most common motor in a D3. The 2010 and later RRS and L322 got the 5.0 na & SC.

We had a similar discussion and elected for a D3 (got a D4 in the end cheap). Seeing as how the running gear was the same, our decision/choices were between a RRS with more luxury, and the D3/4 with more room in the back.
As the vehicle was going to be our 'work horse' (camping, caravaning, carrying Bunnings stuff, etc) we went for the D3/4. I confess to sometimes missing the luxury extra's, but the D4 is a sensational vehicle.
As for diesel or petrol, I prefer diesel - have a Jag XFS 3.0 diesel. Reading the various reviews the diesel motor/gear box combo are synergistic. But it's personal choice.

Its almost a heart vs logic choice, luxury vs practicality. Maybe a D3 HSE?

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated.

I had a look at a diesel RRS today, looking at a V6 petrol Disco tomorrow and another RRS.

Can anyone recommend anywhere in Adelaide who can do an knowledgable inspection?

Originally Posted by redfive

Thanks for the advice everyone, much appreciated.



I had a look at a diesel RRS today, looking at a V6 petrol Disco tomorrow and another RRS.



Can anyone recommend anywhere in Adelaide who can do an knowledgable inspection?

I forgot to add the D3 got a v6 4.0 petrol motor similar to what was fitted to a Ford Explorer. The D3, Ford territory, Peugeot all had a similar 2.7 tdv6.