Huh, maybe I'v e never beenn in one that new come to think of it. But I still don't see those lumps making 300 Ft/Lb's at the Wheels. Mfg. claims are rearely net, they tend to be at the crank, free of accessories at low elevation type measurements. Still, I don't doubt that your 04 is quick, if you say it is I belive you. Like I said, I'm permenantly stuck in the right lane in 3rd gear
Cheers
Dave
No, of course it's not at the wheels. That's SAE Net horsepower rating, the same claim made by all manufacturers. This shouldn't come as a shocker to anybody. Horsepower at the wheels numbers come with huge caveats and aren't a suitable basis. ie: AWD vehicles have a HUGE disadvantage, not because they have more driveshafts, but because they have 4 tires on the rollers vs. just 2, and the bulk of the "drivetrain losses" are actually just rolling resistance of the tires. People can "gain hp" on the chassis dyno by overinflating their tires, etc. etc. etc. SAE Net is measured in a controlled environment, a level playing field.
I never said my truck was "quick". It's snappy off the line, getting rolling from a stop. I think it has a really loose torque converter, getting it into the meat of the torque curve early, and also contributing to the terrible MPGs.
Once rolling, trying to accelerate onto a freeway, it's only "adequate". But then I'm comparing it to a 240hp minivan, and a 240hp compact.
Freelander... broken timing chains
See PT, you know nothing about Land Rovers!
I keed, I keed. :victory:
I do not believe it is model bashing. I have very specific experience and knowledge of the freelander and the others in this thread with the same have expressed exactly the same sentiments.
The Freelander is actually a reasonably capable vehicle, in many cases more so than vehicles with a transfer case. However, the MOST IMPORTANT attribute of an expedition vehicle is either ultimate reliability or serviceability. A series III or a Disco I are not that reliably, but they are both serviceable, even on the trail. The magic performed by guys like Steve Rupp is evidence of that. A freelander is neither serviceable or reliable, and therefore, IMHO, not appropriate for overland/expedition travel.
Of course, this is just my opinion. You can come to your own conclusion. I just see a DI and adding a 300TDI (or even getting the V8 and learning how to service it) as the ultimate cost/performance/reliability solution for someone who wants to buy a LR.
Scott, I agree with everything you said... as it relates to the V6/Auto powertrain in the Freelander. You even admit it's "capable", but only question the reliability. I'm assuming the K-series gas motor and diesel versions are more reliable. I don't know much about that diesel, but the K-series is a pretty popular motor in amateur motorsport in Europe, so I assume it's reliable.
The Td5 in the 110 I am "babysitting" is a fantastic motor, and outperforms my V8 in all situations except NVH
Even top end passing power? Then again, you do have an earlier D1 V8 that's nothing to write home about.
I did a fair amount of powertrain testing in an 09 110 with the new Ford diesel, and I loved the torque, but it was pretty pokey getting up to speed. I had to full throttle from the start of the ramp to the end, just to keep up with traffic. Pulling off the shoulder from a stop onto the freeway into traffic was pretty scary.
Again, I agree for the most part, and I loved that engine, great off-road, and great around town. But getting up to speed on a freeway was slow, and I have to think towing would really suck.
I'd like to find out about the TD5 situation for Canada. There's a guy out in BC importing LR diesels, and he's selling a soup to nuts TD5 conversion, with a trans, computers, etc for $5000.
