Thread: Differences between the 300tdi/td5 defenders - NOT ENGINE RELATED

What are the differences between the 300tdi and td5 Defenders? Things like interior, drivetrain, air con etc.

Are Defenders really as bad as people say (admittidly most of it is under jest, I think) with regards to air-con, leaks (I believe the quote is "it rains as much inside as it does outside, but that's OK because it washes out the dirt/dust"), sound proofing (or lack of)?

CHeers,

The TD5 versions had a revision midlife. Not sure about dates & chassis numbers, & it probably didn't happen all at once anyway.

So early TD5s have similar running gear & trim. Later ones have a new dashboard, ABS & T/C, the infamous P38A diff, alloy wheels etc. The specs varied a bit, depending on the marketing at the time e.g. Xtremes got a better, but still substandard, 4 speakers for the radio.

Late5 TD5s can have cruise control & central locking re-activated, not sure about early ones. Early Td5s were a PITA to drive smoothly too - there was a delay in throtttle response. You couldn't blip the throttle easily when downchanging. Software fix in later cars, & could also be improved by disconnecting a clutch switch.

Leaks & squeaks the same right through the spectrum. Air Con crap throughout. Gearbox & T/case essentially the same. Seats just as bad. Vision & driving position the same.

That's all that comes to mind.

Regards
Max P