Thread: TDV6 vs TDV8

Hi Jazzman.

I started out wanting a TDV6 Discovery in 2008 and had a test drive of a new one in Darwin. My wife I were very lucky to be taken to an area of steep narrow tracks near to the Hidden Valley Race track.That area has a freeway through it now. We both experienced driving down a 40 degree hill with loose flat slate like stones & using hill decent control mode, we were both amazed with the off road ability compared to our previous 4WDs.

We found the road ride to be very comfortable but a bit too rolly on corners making my wife feel queasy, the TDV6 engine performance was adequate but with a subdued response with a noticeably big lag from a standing start at T junctions. The main problem for me was that I could not adjust the drivers seat to a comfortable position, as the wide flat seat base felt as if it was too low at the front and I was sliding off the seat. We decided to postpone the purchase of the new vehicle.

Some time later after moving to Adelaide we had the opportunity to test drive a Range Rover Sport TDV8. We were amazed that these two vehicles could be so different. The ride and handling of the sport is superb, it has active hydraulic anti roll bars that keep the vehicle level around corners at higher cruising speeds, so no queasy wife. The front seats are both multi way power adjustable, my 5ft wife and me with my 6ft frame and crook back could get very comfortable in these sport style leather seats. The TDV8 engine has amazingly better performance over the TDV6. From a standing start the acceleration is very strong without the long lag of the TDV6, and it eats hills in 6th gear, and the gearbox doesn't hunt at cruising speeds either.

I ended up purchasing a 2009 TDV8 Sport, and added a bull bar and fitted all terrain tyres, I think that this is an excellent touring vehicle. On club trips with other RRS & Discos I find that TDV8 engine has similar economy to the TDV6 vehicles as it is not as easily affected by headwinds or hills and when towing at around 100Kph can use less fuel than the TDV6s.

I have had the vehicle regularly serviced by the dealer, and have replaced oils, filters & consumables. The engine just seems to get stronger over time, and it has a great V8 sound when you put your foot down. The TDV8 motor has an advantage over the TDV6 as it has internal cam drive chains that do not have to be replaced, on the TDV6 the external cam belts have to be replaced periodically (every 80,000Km?).

I recently purchased a new RRS SDV8 after enjoying my 2009 RRS and I now have it listed for sale on this forum & carsales, with a special bonus for Aulro forum members. It may be just what you are looking for.

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/vehicles-s...australia.html

Cheers Steve

Originally Posted by Jazzman

OK, so I have a great D2 TD5, set up for off roading. Love it because it goes everywhere, even where the Patrol's and Land Cruiser's can't because it is light, slightly smaller and a great car. But it does lack in comfort.

I was foolishly looking at D3's the other night and noticed the RRS and found my self asking, Why would I upgrade to a D3/D4 when I could have a RRS?

So what i'd like to know is:
Are they any good off road?
Are off road accessories readily available for them? EG. Roof rack, smaller wheels, lifts of some kind and bull bar.
Do D3 accessories bolt on?
Would you buy the TDV8 if you could afford it or is it a dud / high maintenance engine?

Our D2 Td5 (Manual & 5 seats) was a great vehicle - especially in Arnhem Land.

Now in Darwin so that vehicle in the morning traffic on the way to work was not as pleasant an experience as it could be. We also were keen to have 7 seats and an auto as well.

The EAS on the D3 meant it won the day. We wanted the ability to lower for older folk to get in and yet still have decent clearance offroad. Everyone mentions the memory seats on the HSE but it's the armrest (Captain's Chairs) which I appreciate.

In the 9 months we have had it I have not had the time to get it truly offroad yet but onroad it is really the same size step up from the D2 that the D2 was from the Defender

On top of that I have added LLAMS and an ECU re-map (for better economy - the D2 had a TRS chip). It is a 2006 model.

My sole experience of a V8 RRS is driving Roversmith's 2008 model the 35km home from the airport last week.

Sitting in it you immediately noticed the similarities and the difference of the finish inside. There are probably less differences to notice as I have an HSE.

You definitely notice the greater power under the right foot. It was too short a drive to really comment on the torque.

Other than that I can't honestly comment on anything else, especially as I have not researched accessories for the RRS.

You have two choices I believe - do I want 7 seats? If the answer is no then the next question is the one you have asked and Lobster and others with the necessary experience are the people to listen to.

Enjoy whichever vehicle you get.

My experience - I have just bought a 2010 RRS v6 . It's fine , goes like a rocket haven't felt let done by the "lack of power " realistically it's 40nm ...I won't know the diff !
The V8 was beautiful to listen to and went fine ,but there are more v6 for sale at far more reasonable prices - options are varied .
Mine returns approx 9.2 l per hundred driving in my style .....

My only experience with the tdv8 is in a RRV over the last 18 mths. Coming from a turboed Perentie 110, the power & torque of the tdv8 amazes me.

My brother in law has a 2015 D4 SDV6. My 2008 RRV is better in the sand and on the road. It is very close.

I would get a 2010 updated interior if you can afford it which ever motor you chose in a RRS.