Vehicle Tests > Towing Comparison: LandCruiser v Prado v Patrol v Jackaroo v ML270

On a steep descent using high range/first gear the brakes needed to be used regularly to control the speed but didn't display any signs of fade and always felt up to the task.

The ML270 CDI has been praised and awarded for its efficiency and it proved to be the most frugal fuel user on the test, gulping just 16.9L/100km. This is in line with Benz's claim of 9.3L/100km when unladen and very impressive considering the performance. The ML270 CDI weighs in at 2115kg.

Recomended retail price: $62,500
Price as tested: $73,409
Towing capacity with trailer brakes: 3365kg
Towing capacity without brakes: 750kg
Average Fuel Consumption: 16.9L/100km
Range*: 364km
4km Climb: 3mins35sec
RPM at 100km/h: 2000rpm
Performance
0-60km/h: 12.6s
0-80km/h: 21.7s
80-100km/h: 12.1s
Best Points: Fuel efficiency, power, comfort, refinement, Tippshift transmission
Worst Points: A bit soft in the rear suspension, space saver spare tyre
*Performance testing carried out with a 2000kg trailer in tow
*Range estimate based on fuel tank capacity, test average fuel consumption and a 50km safety margin.


Nissan Patrol ST 3.0L
Being one of the biggest (2970mm wheelbase and 1595/1625mm front/rear track)and heaviest (2345kg) vehicles on the comparison, we expected a lot of the 3.0-litre Patrol as a tow vehicle. The engine is a strong performer, if a little underpowered for the Patrol, but it works well with the four-speed auto in general use. The Patrol can be outclassed by other wagons on the market but it is still one of the biggest and more robust vehicles available making it good value for money.

read on below advertisement



The Patrol ST auto sells for $51,590. The vehicle tested here was equipped with a safety pack which includes passenger side airbag and ABS at $2000 plus the tow bar at $455. Standard equipment includes a driver side airbag, AM/FM/CD audio system, power windows and doorlocks, airconditioning and third-row seating for two additional passengers.

The 3.0-litre, four-cylinder, direct injection engine pumps out 116kW at 3600rpm and 354Nm at 2000rpm. It uses high-pressure electronic injection and intercooling to achieve its efficiency. The engine is well matched to an electronic four-speed auto and part-time 4WD with high and low range and auto-locking front hubs.

The Patrol's underside is old school with a rugged ladder chassis and coil suspended live axles front and rear delivering long wheel travel for superior off-road performance. But the heavy live axles are the Patrol's Achilles heel on roads both sealed and dirt where its handling is less than ideal.

With the Trakmaster van hitched on the back the ZD30 Patrol showed a little pitching when travelling on the highway - less so than the Mercedes - and little if any side-to-side swaying. In acceleration it was slower than the Merc off the line but came on stronger up top and closed the gap between 80 and 100km/h. Its better top end performance was also felt at touring pace where the Patrol was more comfortable holding 100km/h with less need to shift down in the gearbox.

next page »

 

« go back