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Vehicle Tests > 4WD Comparison - Bush Icons At War
4WD Comparison - Bush Icons At War
Not that the Discovery 3 HSE we are driving is a budget buy. Unlike the 200-on-a-budget GXL, the HSE is the most expensive model in the Discovery 3 range and starts at $86,590. Our tester has an additional $20,355 worth of optional equipment the majority of which is more sizzle than sausage, save for the must-have $1050 rear self-locking (electronic) differential. Putting aside for the minute all the added bling ('Premium' leather, sun roof, sat-nav/TV, etc) you call the HSE with the rear locker option an $87,640 vehicle. Add $1800 if you want metallic paint. On road costs will see it spill over into the 90s but still only $3664 more expensive than the 200 when comparing GXL plus KDSS with HSE plus rear locker.
V8 versus V6
These prices may be close but there's nothing too similar in the two engines on offer here, at least in terms of capacity and on-paper power and torque figures. The 200 is powered by Toyota's 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel that claims 195kW (at 3400rpm) and some 650Nm of torque that is already on tap by 1600rpm. While this engine features technology such as high-pressure common-rail injection, air-to-air intercooling and variable-vane turbochargers, it's in a relatively mild state of tune.
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In a considerably higher state of tune is the 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel that powers the Discovery 3. Like the Toyota engine it features common-rail injection, a variable vane turbocharger, and air-to-air intercooling. But, in an important departure from the Toyota, it has fast switching piezo crystal injectors that help with power, economy and noise suppression.
Given that both these vehicles are around the same weight (a portly 2700kg) and both use six-speed automatic gearboxes, the on road performance is largely defined by their respective power and torque outputs. That makes the 200 the drag-race king and, from a more practical perspective, the better of the two in terms of overtaking performance. It is both effortless and fast.
In the company of the 200's 4.5-litre V8 you would think that the Disco's 2.7-litre V6 would feel very second rate, but that's not how things play out. In terms of effortlessness it's every bit a match for the Toyota and while it's not as fast or as punchy as the 200 it performs far better than its 'numbers' would suggest. We have often made the point that the TDV6 fights above its weight even when asked to haul 2700kg+ worth of Disco and contents, and every time we revisit this engine we come away with this impression confirmed.
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V8 versus V6
These prices may be close but there's nothing too similar in the two engines on offer here, at least in terms of capacity and on-paper power and torque figures. The 200 is powered by Toyota's 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel that claims 195kW (at 3400rpm) and some 650Nm of torque that is already on tap by 1600rpm. While this engine features technology such as high-pressure common-rail injection, air-to-air intercooling and variable-vane turbochargers, it's in a relatively mild state of tune.
read on below advertisement
In a considerably higher state of tune is the 2.7-litre V6 turbo diesel that powers the Discovery 3. Like the Toyota engine it features common-rail injection, a variable vane turbocharger, and air-to-air intercooling. But, in an important departure from the Toyota, it has fast switching piezo crystal injectors that help with power, economy and noise suppression.
Given that both these vehicles are around the same weight (a portly 2700kg) and both use six-speed automatic gearboxes, the on road performance is largely defined by their respective power and torque outputs. That makes the 200 the drag-race king and, from a more practical perspective, the better of the two in terms of overtaking performance. It is both effortless and fast.
In the company of the 200's 4.5-litre V8 you would think that the Disco's 2.7-litre V6 would feel very second rate, but that's not how things play out. In terms of effortlessness it's every bit a match for the Toyota and while it's not as fast or as punchy as the 200 it performs far better than its 'numbers' would suggest. We have often made the point that the TDV6 fights above its weight even when asked to haul 2700kg+ worth of Disco and contents, and every time we revisit this engine we come away with this impression confirmed.
next page »
