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Vehicle Tests > Tow Test - Best In Tow?
Tow Test - Best In Tow?
Let's go back to the start of this test... those maximum power and torque figures really aren't all that much to jump up and down about when compared to other (much smaller) turbo-diesel engines on offer at the moment. Take the NT Pajero; it claims only marginally lower 147kW and a higher 441Nm albeit at slightly higher revs than the 76 Cruiser.
So why the difference in performance? Paper specs rarely compute exactly to real life testing as there are so many other factors involved in what makes or breaks a vehicle. Fact is, the Pajero towed the same van over the same roads, much quicker, quieter and easier - be sure to read our upcoming report on the Pajero.
Torsional stability of the leaf spring 76 was excellent on uneven winding bitumen roads. Minor potholes and surface irregularities didn't upset the rear end of this truck and the steering remained constant via the old recirculating ball design.
While the seats of the 76 are very basic and offer minimal adjustment (forward, aft and recline only), they did return excellent comfort, especially through the lumbar area and nil numb-bum-itis was present on return of our sub 500km day trip. Vision over the square bonnet was superior to most 4WDs on offer and allows easy parking and navigating through tight obstacles.
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External side mirrors offer a good high viewing angle from top to bottom, as well as adequate sideways vision to keep track of most of what happens behind.
Having just the single 90-litre fuel tank (compared to the longer two-door 78 LandCruiser with 180 litres) it still carries more fuel than most, but a shame not to have the whole 180 litres. On this tow test, we managed 15.6 litres/100km - pretty good!
The 3500kg tow capacity should (given the engines supposed power outputs) go well for most large vans, but given the Jayco used here only tipped the scales at just over 2000kg, you could only presume things go downhill from here with heavier vans.
Steep downhill grades (one in eight down Victoria Pass) saw the 76's gearing hold reasonably well in third gear with just the occasional dab on the brakes to keep all in check.
Lack of cruise control saw the right boot permanently employed, while the left saw plenty of action through the more-often-than-thought down changes while tackling the hills.
While there is no doubting the Outback touring prowess and toughness of the 76 Series LandCruiser, it's inability to tow a large load at constant highway speeds would be of concern given there are plenty of smaller, quieter and smoother diesel engines available.
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So why the difference in performance? Paper specs rarely compute exactly to real life testing as there are so many other factors involved in what makes or breaks a vehicle. Fact is, the Pajero towed the same van over the same roads, much quicker, quieter and easier - be sure to read our upcoming report on the Pajero.
Torsional stability of the leaf spring 76 was excellent on uneven winding bitumen roads. Minor potholes and surface irregularities didn't upset the rear end of this truck and the steering remained constant via the old recirculating ball design.
While the seats of the 76 are very basic and offer minimal adjustment (forward, aft and recline only), they did return excellent comfort, especially through the lumbar area and nil numb-bum-itis was present on return of our sub 500km day trip. Vision over the square bonnet was superior to most 4WDs on offer and allows easy parking and navigating through tight obstacles.
read on below advertisement
External side mirrors offer a good high viewing angle from top to bottom, as well as adequate sideways vision to keep track of most of what happens behind.
Having just the single 90-litre fuel tank (compared to the longer two-door 78 LandCruiser with 180 litres) it still carries more fuel than most, but a shame not to have the whole 180 litres. On this tow test, we managed 15.6 litres/100km - pretty good!
The 3500kg tow capacity should (given the engines supposed power outputs) go well for most large vans, but given the Jayco used here only tipped the scales at just over 2000kg, you could only presume things go downhill from here with heavier vans.
Steep downhill grades (one in eight down Victoria Pass) saw the 76's gearing hold reasonably well in third gear with just the occasional dab on the brakes to keep all in check.
Lack of cruise control saw the right boot permanently employed, while the left saw plenty of action through the more-often-than-thought down changes while tackling the hills.
While there is no doubting the Outback touring prowess and toughness of the 76 Series LandCruiser, it's inability to tow a large load at constant highway speeds would be of concern given there are plenty of smaller, quieter and smoother diesel engines available.
next page »
