Is a Defender too small for me?

[wallythewunderdog]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.

I am interested in getting a new Defender 110 and took one for a test drive today. Overall I am satisfied with the vehicle, however, I am wondering is the vehicle is too small for me. I am 191 cm tall with broad shoulders. When sitting in the vehicle with the seat right back my shoulder is firmly against the door pillar. I found the seating and driving position comfortable (albeit snug) for the 10 min test drive, but am a little concern how I would go on extended periods. I have read on these forums about seat extenders however moving the seat back a few inches is not going to provide any more shoulder room.

Are there any other owners out there my height and if so how have you found driving the vehicle for extended periods?

Wal.

[superquag]

I have a vague suspicion that the original Land Rover was designed for the average Englishman of 1948, and a snug fit at that ...

I'm 5'10" with normal length arms, and there is no way I would last more than 20 to 30 minutes in one.

If ergonomics is relevant to you, compare the LR with Pajeros and Toyotas.
- Then work out if the superior off-road capacity of the LR is actually worth the pain...

My Classic may well be my first AND last LR...

Grumpy old James in Gosnells

[n plus one]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.

I am interested in getting a new Defender 110 and took one for a test drive today. Overall I am satisfied with the vehicle, however, I am wondering is the vehicle is too small for me. I am 191 cm tall with broad shoulders. When sitting in the vehicle with the seat right back my shoulder is firmly against the door pillar. I found the seating and driving position comfortable (albeit snug) for the 10 min test drive, but am a little concern how I would go on extended periods. I have read on these forums about seat extenders however moving the seat back a few inches is not going to provide any more shoulder room.

Are there any other owners out there my height and if so how have you found driving the vehicle for extended periods?

Wal.

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.

Being a snug fit is perfect for off road use - you move with the vehicle instead of getting slapped against the inside of it.

I don't have the extended seat rails fitted (though at your hieght you might need them?) - you're supposed to sit upright (like you're in church) - its a Defender not a bloody sick-boy chariot.

Amusingly my wife moves the seat back when she gets in to drive it - and she's at least 10cm shorter than me...

[abaddonxi]

I'm about the same height as you, and never had a problem in my Defender or County.

Having said that, it all depends on how you like to sit and whether you are long in the torso or legs. If you're uncomfortable with a very vertical seat back, or if you have long legs, it can be a problem. Seat rails fix the long legs problem.

There are threads about where people have moved their seats inboard a couple of inches to get more shoulder room.

[ant_schomacker]

Mate, i'm about 6'1" and somewhat rounded

But i find my defender (Puma 130 dual cab) more comfortable than the other vehicles i've owned. I've just done 2 separate trips; Brisbane - Canberra (return) and Brisbane to far NW Qld since mid December last year. My one complaint on the long trips is a lack of cruise control, but that's easily enough fixed.

Hope that helps!

Ant

[Tombie]

Best tourer I owned
I'm 6' 1" also and at my peak was a tiny 150kg
Never felt uncomfortable in the Defender

[VladTepes]

I'm 185cm, 95kg and I find it to be the most comfortable car I've ever driven, particularly for long (12-16hr) hauls.

Yep me too.



james in gosnells stop your bleating !!!!

[abaddonxi]

Hi all - this thread is for the bigger blokes out there.
<snip!>

Wal.

So you'd be a big Wally?

Welcome to AULRO!

Cheers
Simon

[Benny_IIA]

I'm 6 3 and 90 kgs only 18 so still growing.

Space or lack of is one of the main reason I sold my defender ute.

I think the single cab utes have less room then the wagons

I was going to buy a d2...

But I some how i ended up with a 90

[rick130]

187cm, 90kg, fairly wide in the shoulders and mostly legs here.

With the seat lifted 22mm (and all the way back, it's a CC) the seating position is pretty damned good and much more comfortable for me than SWMBO's GU Patrol.