So which 4WD is Best

Seduce XR6 · 01-09-2010, 06:09 PM

http://news.drive.com.au/drive/motor...827-13v3n.html

4.0i_SiX · 01-09-2010, 06:58 PM

If its got torsion bars or strut front end its not a real 4wd :P

chevypower · 02-09-2010, 01:35 AM

that review sucked. The Toyota isn't the best at anything, but since it has the biggest fuel tank, and it has "Toyota" written on it, it wins anyway. I have taken a Prado off-road and they really are very average - that's the nicest way I can put it. Land Rover any day.

**DJR-351** · 02-09-2010, 06:40 AM

Never had a Prado, driven one and thought it average same goes for the Mitsi, but i have had 8 Landcruisers 2 Patrols and 2 Landrovers, it's obvious which i prefer......

Trevor 57 · 02-09-2010, 07:08 AM

I have done a bucket load of 4x4ing, I work as a 4x4 trainer, there are 4x4's and there are 4x4's.

IMHO Toyota are over-priced for what they are.

Torsion bars have been around a very very long time, Volkswagen had them as suspension starting back in the '30's. Kenworth ran them on their trucks (albeit not very well)

It is a real tight juggling act to find the best for YOU!

Nissan GQ's with the TD42 engine would have to rate as one of the best ever all round 4x4's ever produced taking into consideration repairs and maintenance. If you want a great 4x4 off the shelf then the Land Rover Defender would take some beating (forgeting repair and maintenance costs).

The 60 Series Landcruisers had real issues with their gearboxes, the 80's Series was a cross car - 4x4 compromise to try and beat Nissan at their own game, but the early ones had springs that were too soft, but had a great engine.

This debate is like the old Ford versus Holden argument. It is a personal preference thing.

wrongwaynorris · 02-09-2010, 07:54 AM

Only one vehicle has ever traversed te entire length of the Darien Gap. "•1972 The Range Rover is the first vehicle to cross the Darien Gap " And they've all tried some multiple times . RANGE ROVER the king and always will be , all others are mere pretenders and pale imitations . Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery but no matter how hard the Japanese try they never have been able to measure up .

**TUF_302** · 02-09-2010, 11:25 AM

I say a Patrol is best!, but i might be biased lol!

chevypower · 02-09-2010, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TUF_302

I say a Patrol is best!, but i might be biased lol!

Still has solid axles - at least till its global replacement. So it WAS one of the best for sure. I dare say for the money, it's hard to go past a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. But with all the softies out there having independent axles, I think the Land/Range Rovers are the best of those.

vanman_75 · 02-09-2010, 01:48 PM

at the moment its the freaking prado .and to the ones who say otherwise haven't drivin all the others ...patrol awesome if 4wding is all you do every day but they are a long way behind in power and ride comfort and i even think with all the modern wizz bang stuff even the 2 diff advantage is gone ...i am saddened as i just sold my patrol and it was a ripper but it dont come close to the prado sorry.jeep wranger if you hate your back and dont mind paying for juice with ordinary durability and build quality .only thing with the prado is the approach angle lol i caved in the belly tray this morning and drove the bar back on its mounts ,but my fault for being to rough , but in the end a car that is the best is the one that fills all YOUR needs not mine

jcxr · 02-09-2010, 01:58 PM

Have to agree. I've had an 03 Prado for the last 8 months and cant fault it.
Great all rounder for my requirements, tows well and good weekender.On LPG makes for economical value.

TZENU · 02-09-2010, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcxr

Have to agree. I've had an 03 Prado for the last 8 months and cant fault it.
Great all rounder for my requirements, tows well and good weekender.On LPG makes for economical value.

No more XR8 John???

Ducati888 · 02-09-2010, 03:04 PM

My 97 Prado is brilliant for moderate (not hardcore) 4 wheel driving. Discoveries are very competent but lack reliability - I'd rather be able to get home. Hardcore, they prefer Landcruisers & Patrols. They all need beefing up somewhat if you are serious about your 4WD sport.

I started in a series 3 Land Rover - you can't kill them but they sure kill your back. Pity the Disco didn't continue that reliability, but they sure did continue with the crap build quality.

You get what you pay for mostly, but there must be some compromise between an entry level full 4WD and a Range Rover Vogue that meets your needs. Horses for courses.

I suppose if you don't go alone, you will get home regardless of the car you've got.

jono.chil · 02-09-2010, 05:06 PM

anything with a proper transfer case(i.e. Hi/Low range gearing) & decent ground clearance is a proper 4wd, no matter whether it's got IFS/IRS or solid axles F&R.

so out of the vehicles they tested:
Pajero - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Prado - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Land Rover Disco - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check
Pathfinder - proper tranfercase - check, ample clearance - check

all are in their own right proper 4wds

yes in most 4wd groups that go off rd more than on rd they mostly choose Nissan Patrol or Toyota Landcruisers & occasionally (solid axle)Jeeps & Land Rovers because they know that a solid axle 4wd will go further & can be pushed harder of rd & will survive longer.

IFS/IRS 4wds have their own place in the off rd world & that's off rd touring the IFS/IRS gives gr8 handling & comfort, not to say that solid axles 4wds are uncomfortable, my GU Patrol is very comfy.

if you really want a no frills fair dinkum available to the general public 4wd then ultimately it comes down to either a Land Rover County 110 or the OKA(Western Australian made 4wd truck), next step beyond that it the Unimog 404

County 110: best wheel travel, good gearing, stable, good field of vission, but look like a brick on wheels

OKA: comes in either single cab chassis or tray back, duel cab chassis or tray back, multicab chassis or tray back or full bus/van, portal axles both ends F&R diff locks, hi low transfer case with a crawler reduction box on the back of the transfer, 20" steel rims with 40" mud terrains & bead locks, all cab/van/bus versions come with state of the art luxury & air-con making them the ultimate 4wd.

302 XC · 02-09-2010, 06:08 PM

Patrol all the way
And YES im biased
BUT nothin newer than the GQ
Ive had the GU and you can keep em
Toymota are a good 4x4 BUT you pay extra for the badge
Always have and always will

Tealglow · 02-09-2010, 09:44 PM

Jeep Wrangler if you want a real 4WD

XR Martin · 02-09-2010, 10:10 PM

Brazen · 02-09-2010, 10:14 PM

Thanks! I now have a new work computer wallpaper.

GTWHOA · 02-09-2010, 10:34 PM

GQ patrol is the best, unbiased of course...

HSE2 · 02-09-2010, 11:25 PM

Clarkson say's Range Rover and we know he is never wrong.

JC · 02-09-2010, 11:29 PM

Escape.

2.8L Hilux · 02-09-2010, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JC

Escape.

Believe it or not they go really well on the beach. Gives some "proper" 4x4's a run for their money.

Road_Warrior · 02-09-2010, 11:38 PM

Lada Niva.

Also, I wonder if they will make a wagon/SUV variant of that Ford truck in the pic posted above?

jono.chil · 03-09-2010, 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTD54L

GQ patrol is the best, unbiased of course...

which All Aussie member are you??

BrisVegas · 03-09-2010, 10:43 AM

Serious bush bashing - Patrol or non-IFS Cruiser. Turbo Diesel only.

Offroad and outback touring - Pajero TD, Prado TD, Cruiser IFS depending on how much space you want.

I went for the Pajero because it handles better on roads, which is the vast majority of it's driving. With a lift kit, bash plates and decent LT All Terrain tyres, it will go wherever I want it to.

chevypower · 03-09-2010, 11:50 AM

I hope that T6-based SUV Ford Australia is producing, has some serious off-road capability in it. No doubt a solid rear axle, hopefully the front one is too. But I will bet it has IFS.

blackers10 · 03-09-2010, 12:07 PM

suzuki sierra.
good on fuel, not very comfortable with big suspension, not entirely fast, fit where big 4x4s can't

but from all reports I would go a patrol for SERIOUS 4x4 or even around australia

**GasoLane** · 03-09-2010, 12:26 PM

I'm not into 4WD but I heard a cute story a dew years ago when I was a member of JagLovers, a Worldwide Jaguar club.

A member's Dad was a farmer in the Wimmera (Vic) and was looking for a new 4WD to replace his very old Land Rover. So member took Dad to Melb to talk to a few dealers.

At, I believe, a Toyota dealership the salesman went through the usual sales pitch...Carpets, CD player, Chrome wheels, Step plates, Leather etc, etc...

Apparently the look on the salesman's face was priceless when after he'd finished the sales pitch Dad said... "I wouldn't buy a 4WD I couldn't open the doors and hose out!"

ZA-289 · 03-09-2010, 12:39 PM

"which 4wd is best?"

Mine.

GTWHOA · 03-09-2010, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jono.chil

which All Aussie member are you??

TUFFGQ Don't get on there anymore though, sold the GQ and got the ltd.

ZA-289 · 03-09-2010, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LTD54L

I sold the GQ and got the ltd.

Do I see a trend happening here? My GU is up for sale becuase I just bought a fairmont ghia....

Is it because we both got sick of driving big, slow, dirty (most of the time) vehicles that chew just as much juice as a V8 but dont stop, go or turn as well?