4Runner Vs. Land Rover Discovery

O

Offroader

New member
There's a friend of mine who says that offroading nothing comes close to a Land Rover.

In my particular case, I'm in disadvantage because in my country 4Runners are imported only with the bare bones 4WD system.

We don't get traction control, Limited Slip Differential, or any other enhancement to the 4WD system.

Has anyone here gone offroading with a Discovery or LR3?

How much of a disadvantage does a 4th Generation 4Runner have when compared with a Land Rover?
 
Register to hide this ad
The LR3 would do better than the 4R. EVen though it has IRS and IFS. It can be had with a rear locker as an option, and the air suspension does provide pretty good flex stock. I t also has good clearance. Problem is that it will be very difficult to mod anything and it comes with pretty useless tires for offroad. The previous DIscos which didn't have the center diff lock tends to be less useful offroad. They can however be modded pretty well. The problem is that they tend to get tippy easily.

The 4R's TRAC works pretty well. ANd it is fairly easy to mod it.

So the thing is that once you really start wheeling the 4R will win. It requires a couple of mods to do it, but that s to be expected with most 4x4 vehicles. The LR3 looses out then and the Disco shows some of its weaknesses.
 
I have not driven or owned the Disco or the LR3...

but I have climbed in and around the Disco in the Auto SHows to remember a number of signficant things about it.

1. While the Disco is suppoed to be very off road capable, and gets lots of attention in the Disco Off Road Challenge, the old Buick based V8 was lethargic and weak. The 4.0 V8 was just not up to snuff getting it to speed on the highway or passing.

2. The Disco's doors are tall and narrow. Great for spatial economy, but hell for getting in and out of the seats. The rear wheel wells come up quite into the rear doors so one has to scoot and contort quite a bit on ingress/egress.

3. I love the safari styling and the double decker look..old farts like me remember the old Greyhound Vista Cruiser look. The first generation Discos had the rear bench seats facing each other military style. I like that even better.

4. With a Disco, you can get it fixed in Botswana, but you can't get a part for 4 weeks in Barstow.

5. I like the LR3's looks.

6. It's not how off orady it is. It's whetehr it is reliable and durable enough to get you offroad and back. That the Runner wins down...no discussion.
 
The 4Runner can be had with the rear air suspension which lift the rear about 4" over non-air susp and make a big difference off-road.

Koz
 
Last I checked the 4R rear suspension raises it 1.6" above normal and lowers it 1.2" below normal.

The LR3 can raise the whole vehicle more than 2" fro additional ground clearance. The problem is that it has even more electronics doodas than the 4R. Given their track record I would be hesitant to go too far offroad with it.

The thing is that you can modify the 4R fairly cheaply to do much more, but with the LR3 you are stuck. The old Disco was nice, but had a number of shortcomings (some could be and was fixed, some not). The one thing from going offroad with the Disco I remember was how tippy it got.
 
35k vs 55k

I'm an analyst, so I tend to over research dang near everything. It took me 6 months to choose which 4x4 to get. So I have a lot of useful and not so useful information.

Besides what everyone here has said about mods,
which I wish I new more about, here are just a couple things which stood out for me:

The LR3 will do great off roading, just stock off the lot, but Reports say all the electric do-dads take the fun out of the trail. The car practically drives itself. Just select the trail option.

The extened warranty for the LR3 was well over twice that for the 4Runner. :eek:
The insurance rates were also higher. :eek2:
The engine requires High Octane :bugeye:
And the MPG is rated at less the the 4R V8 4x4

Lastly Do you really want to pay 55K for bells and whistles.
 
Re: 35k vs 55k

MsMarine said:
I'm an analyst, so I tend to over research dang near everything. It took me 6 months to choose which 4x4 to get. So I have a lot of useful and not so useful information.

Besides what everyone here has said about mods,
which I wish I new more about, here are just a couple things which stood out for me:

The LR3 will do great off roading, just stock off the lot, but Reports say all the electric do-dads take the fun out of the trail. The car practically drives itself. Just select the trail option.

The extened warranty for the LR3 was well over twice that for the 4Runner. :eek:
The insurance rates were also higher. :eek2:
The engine requires High Octane :bugeye:
And the MPG is rated at less the the 4R V8 4x4

Lastly Do you really want to pay 55K for bells and whistles.
Click to expand...

As much as I like my 4runner, the LR3 is worth it:
DSC00015sm.jpg
 
bulldog-yota said:
Last I checked the 4R rear suspension raises it 1.6" above normal and lowers it 1.2" below normal.

The LR3 can raise the whole vehicle more than 2" fro additional ground clearance. The problem is that it has even more electronics doodas than the 4R. Given their track record I would be hesitant to go too far offroad with it.

The thing is that you can modify the 4R fairly cheaply to do much more, but with the LR3 you are stuck. The old Disco was nice, but had a number of shortcomings (some could be and was fixed, some not). The one thing from going offroad with the Disco I remember was how tippy it got.
Click to expand...

I've measured side by side (4Runner with 3" lift and 4Runner with air suspension, set at high) and the air suspension was approx 1" higher. From the auto level setting to the high setting there is a big difference. Also the low setting is sweet for loading and washing. The rear air is one my favorite 4Runner options, well worth every penny.

Koz
 
Re: 35k vs 55k

Originally posted by MsMarine Lastly Do you really want to pay 55K for bells and whistles. [/B]
Click to expand...

I wasn't asking about value.
I was asking about capabilities, because the 4th Gen 4Runner has most of the 4WD electronic enhancements that used to be exclusive to Land Rovers.
 
Well, my brother has an '01 LR Disco SII. My comments apply to only LR Disco II, not LR3.

- LR Disco SII has the best stock wheel articulation of any stock vehicle in the USA. It's RTI score is well above 700, according to Fourwheeler (don't remember exact number). For comparison, a stock 4th gen 4runner is around 430-440. I have seen my brother's Disco in action...amazing wheel articulation despite intact anti-roll bars. LR vehicles are well-known for their articulation, even the new Range Rovers and LR3. (BTW, the Defender is even more amazing than Disco II.)

- IMO, LR makes the most effective ATRAC system for the trail. Toyota comes in second. LR's ATRAC system is very sensitive and will brake a wheel quickly if it loses traction...and it will brake the wheel(s) to a full halt, not just pulsate it. It's quite effective.

- All 2004 Discovery came with a locking center differential. Prior to '04, you had to do a minor modification (can be done at home) to activate this feature.

- It has good approach and breakover angles. Departure is disappointing, but you can get the rear air suspension to help out. Both axle differential are offset to passenger side for better active ground clearance (over 11"). It also has high rocker panel which helps in off-roading.

- The engines were underpowered, drinks gas crazy, and noisy...but fairly reliable. The rest of the powertrain is not reliable.

- LR axles are considered a bit weak. They are designed for ATRAC only. You cannot put in an aftermarket locker without having to change out the halfshafts or axle. Locker + stock axle = snap, crackle, & pop.:D

- Discovery's ride is not pleasant...a lot of bounce, noise (mechanical and wind), body roll, and floating. It rides like an American truck. Lots of rattles too.

- Reliability is a BIG issue. My brother is getting frustrated with his Disco...tranny weird noise, ABS light goes on and off, etc.. Disco has a lot of electronic issues...but, unfortunately, it also has mechanical issues too! My brother is planning on getting rid of it soon.:(

- Disco does not come with stability control or brake assist, which i think is much needed in a vehicle like the Disco (tall & narrow, short wheelbase, lots of body roll). Crash protection is also only average for the Disco.

Conclusion: stock vs. stock, discounting reliability, the Land Discovery SII is better than 4runner off-road. However, reliability is a big thing...so, i would pick the 4runner over Disco II if i were to off-road often or take long off-road trips. For on-road driving, there's no comparison...4runner is light years ahead.

Hope this helps.

BTW, i am moving this thread to Comparisons.
 
How does the 4th gen 4R compare to a Disco II?

Off road, the Land Rover is hands down, without a doubt, far more superior than the 4Runner with both in stock form. This is no discussion. The series II Discos with CDLs and traction control are disgustingly capable in stock form in the mud, rocks, or snow.

On road, I think the Disco is more comfortable and has better accomodations. I give the nod to the Disco here.

Power However, the Disco is weak in the power department with a very lethargic 4.0 V8 (some 04s had the 4.6, and had a bit more get up). The 4Runner has better power for passing on highways and getting up the mountains on the road. The yota wins here big time

Reliabilty goes to the 4Runner. However, the Discos are failry easy to work on if you bring the spare parts.

Durability I give a tie. While the Discos arent as reliable, they are tough as nails. So is the 4Runner.

A major problem with Discos is if you arent mechanically inclined or dont have access to a private mechanic familiar with Land Rovers you will need to go to the Dealership. LR dealerships are known for obscene repair bills. An example, to do the brakes (new rotors and pads) you are looking at close to a cool grand. If you can do these things yourself, its around $400. Parts availability also stink. If you arent near a dealership, you need to order the parts.

So, both trucks have their pros and cons. As is everything else in life.

The LR3 in all its technological glory is a different breed that has startled the traditional Land Rover enthusiasts. An untrained monkey can drive one offroad. All the electronic gadgets may take the fun out of offroading. But.... the LR3 is a beast offroad. I would say its better, more capable than a Jeep Rubicon when considering stock against stock. I have a friend that has an LR3 and uses it hard off road. Let me tell ya, it will blow away any competition. It is, in my opinion, the best offroad vehicle that can be driven off the showroom floor in the US. Even with the highway friendly tires.

All in all, if off-roading is your thing and you have a manufacturers warranty, Land Rovers will outperform any SUV offered by Toyota in the states. Freelanders dont count, LOL.

If you like reliability and performance, Toyota is the way to go. Dont get me wrong, a 4Runner is a quite capable rig. But, I hate to say it... Land Rover is the best 4X4Xfar. If you can keep em running and have an infinite wallet. We didnt even discuss the Defenders.

Modified vehicles, I give the nod to Toyota in the states. Better rear ends and axles, better availability for heavy duty parts. Basically more demand.
 
Ares said:
How does the 4th gen 4R compare to a Disco II?

Off road, the Land Rover is hands down, without a doubt, far more superior than the 4Runner with both in stock form. This is no discussion. The series II Discos with CDLs and traction control are disgustingly capable in stock form in the mud, rocks, or snow.

On road, I think the Disco is more comfortable and has better accomodations. I give the nod to the Disco here.
Click to expand...

Disgustingly capable?? Well, i would not go THAT far! My brother no longer off-roads the Disco because his Rubicon is THAT much better!:D

Better accomodations?? Mission-Impossible rear entry. Comfortable?? I totally disagree. The Disco does NOT ride smoothly...it floats and bounces. The '03 updates did improve ride...but, before that, the Disco does not compare to 4th gen 4runner.

Ares said:
Durability I give a tie. While the Discos arent as reliable, they are tough as nails. So is the 4Runner.
Click to expand...

Durable?? Sorry, my brother's '01 Disco is a PIA in terms of maintenance, which is a part of durability. When i talk about durability, i would expect that the powertrain would last. Even if it's durable, it is a headache just to keep it running. And no one has "infinite wallet."

Ares said:
I would say its better, more capable than a Jeep Rubicon when considering stock against stock. I have a friend that has an LR3 and uses it hard off road. Let me tell ya, it will blow away any competition. It is, in my opinion, the best offroad vehicle that can be driven off the showroom floor in the US. Even with the highway friendly tires.

We didnt even discuss the Defenders.

Modified vehicles, I give the nod to Toyota in the states. Better rear ends and axles, better availability for heavy duty parts. Basically more demand.
Click to expand...

BTW, having better axles, rear ends, etc...doesn't that usually equal to a better vehicle?? It does in my book.:)

LR3 better than Rubicon?? How so?? Please tell me.

Best 4x4xfar?? Someone been watching too much TV!!:D
 
I have to throw in a quick two cents. You said:

"It is, in my opinion, the best offroad vehicle that can be driven off the showroom floor in the US."

Do you really think the LR3 is more capable offroad then an H1 off the showroom floor? I think it's pretty far to throw it out there as "the best". I really don't think it would out perform a Rubicon either. Have you ever seen what a stock Rubicon can even do offroad? Front and Rear locker with that short of a wheel-base, pretty freakin' awesome!

Thai can tell you about the G500 as well from personal experience. Your saying that the LR3 would also out perform that tank off the showroom floor. I'm not trying to sound like a jerk but I really believe your placing the LR3 on a pedestal it doesn't belong on. :bash:
 
Wow, I struck a cord! Cool, good to know you people are awake.

OK, I may have overexaggerated a few points. The H1 is probably a bit better... if you dont have to turn sharp. I was leaning toward normal vehicles. Not military tanks. The H1 is amazing, I saw one at Moab. Blew my mind.

As far as durability. Thai, look up the word durable please. No where in the definition does it mention maintanence. I agree that durability can be compromised if maintanence isnt up to par, but I think its appropriate in this conversation to keep them separate. I would say that the Disco is as durable as the 4Runner. Being if you thrash the hell out of it, it will hold up. Land Rovers are very durable vehicles. How many times did your brother brake something on the trail that left him stranded? Be honest. While Land Rovers are durable, they have week areas when modded. For instance. If you brother tossed on a set of 34" mudders and did nothing else. He would eventually break an axle. I think that goes with most any vehicle tho. Again, I didnt say the Disco was better in the durability department, just said it was equal to the 4Runner.

Rovers do require tons of upkeep and that is a PIA. They also leak oil like crazy and are notorious for quirky electronic problems (especially back when it was LR and not BMW or Ford). Also, certain models have head gasket failures, some have valve problems, ABS problems, TCS problems, blah, blah. So, RELIABILITY basically stinks. If you have a warranty, you are ok, if not, uh oh! I would be scared to drive one 3 blocks without a warranty. So, as I stated before, the 4Runner wins the reliability and maintanence departments. With a big margin I might add.

I have been in both a Disco II and my sister in law had a 4th gen 4runner and in my opinion the Disco is much more comfortable. The 4runner feels like a wooden chariot. Getting into the back seat of the Disco is tight, but you can breath once in. The 4runner had better entry to the back seats, but if there were more than one person in the back you were in the others lap. The width of the 4runner seats are maybe 4' max. The older Disco IIs were tippy and it did fell a bit floaty, but it was a comfortable ride.

My friend has a Rubicon and he goes with me on the trails every time I go. The Rubicon is a wicked vehicle and amazes me every day. He recently added a 4.5 inch lift and 34" tires as well as regeared, it is a beast! Ive also had the pleasure of having some dude in a LR3 follow us. Wasnt a friend, he was just out experimenting in his new Land Rover. I was in a 75 Bronco that was lifted, locked, running 35s, and was trailered, my friend in is lfited Rubicon. The guy asked if he could tag along for a few trails if they werent too extreme. We told him sure, but the last 3 trails we were going on were pretty scarry. The whole time we were saying to ourselfs over FRS that there was no way this stock vehicle that looked like a Honda Element was going to make it through the first two trails. Let me tell you, it not only made it through, but it made it look stupid easy. It followed up until the very last trail were the possibility of tipping into rocks were likely and would leave a nice dent in the top edge of the roof of the new 55k ride and possibly bust out a side glass. This was the only place the Rubicon would outgun it. Other than that, in the rocks, mud, steep climbs and decent it, my friend and I both agreed that the LR3 is extremely impressive. And yes, I still believe it is as good, if not better than a rubicon stock vs stock. I really think its better. My friend with the Rubi agreed. Trust me, I really didnt want to say that as Im looking to buy a Rubicon for my wife as we speak. The problem with the LR3 is there is no mods out there for it. So, for now, what you see is what you get. You can buy a Rubi and drop $20 in mods and still have change for gas the entire year. Plus, I dont have the testicular fortitude to drop that kind of cash on a Land Rover and then drop it into the woods. Even if I did have $55k and was in the market for a new offroad truck, it would be 2 Wrangler sports and modify the hell outa them.

So. solice, how many LR3s have you seen on the trails? None I assume.

Tai, Im not watching TV, Im watching these things in person. And I wasnt saying the Disco was a better vehicle. YOU need to stop watching tv and read the posts better. I said the Disco was a hands down better OFF ROAD vehicle than a 4runner. If you compare any year of the Disco to the same year of the 4Runner, the Disco would eat the 4runners lunch off-road day in day out.

Like I said, I would TRUST a 4Runner more than a Disco on road and in everyday life. The Disco is not a better vehicle. I would give that to title to the 4Runner for its looks, reliability, durability, power, and it is a fairly capable truck offroad to boot. Im actually about to buy one this month. Lets put it this way: If I were to go out and buy either a 01 4Runner or a 01 Disco, both with say 70k, I would definitely go with the 4Runner. The original post was which was better offroad. This trophy goes to the Disco.
 
Ares, I would agree with your comment about Disco being a better off-road vehicle than 4runner in stock form...if you discount reliability. Please read my post on page 1.

As for durability, a tranny that is leaking is a durability powertrain problem. Rusting is also a problem on Land Rovers...aluminum not made up to standard. Durability problem.

Traction control problems. Again durabiity in the software/hardware.

As for LR3, well, LR has not perfected the air suspension...again, DURABILITY problem. "Limp-home mode" is not a good thing in the field, especially when the suspension squats!

Where can the LR3 match the Rubicon...stock vs. stock?? I have followed my brother's Rubicon in Colorado in my stock G...but i doubt that i can match him over all terrains. Rubicon is just amazing off the showroom floor. Just the crawl ratio, GY MT/R, and lockers give it 10x the capability of 99% of SUVs/trucks out there, including LR3.

And, yes, i do disagree with you about LR3 being the best off-roader off the showroom floor. And i am not talking about Hummer H1.;):
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

No members online now.
Total: 407 (members: 0, guests: 407)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,310
Messages
3,554,078
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top