AWD comparisons

[Snake Vargas]

Martin, what can I say.

If that doesn't stop people arguing, then I don't know what will.

[EnI]

Martin, karma given!

[martinbo]

Snake and Eni: Thanks gents...

[NarutoRamen]

Originally Posted by martinbo

Rocks and sand and ditches and river beds and logs break cars. That’s why, when doing serious off-roading, I trust only a handful of vehicles - most notably the Toyota Land Cruiser pick-ups and wagons and the Land Rover Defenders. I have extensive off-road experience in both and I know exactly why they exist. X5’s, Q7’s and ML’s are on-road vehicles with a measure of off-roading ability (the ML does come with an off-road package option which does enhance it’s capability significantly) and shouldn’t be used without due consideration when discussing off road ability.

Ends

Great Freakin write up man...you are like a car knowledge god!!!

But I will like to add a few vehicles...since i've done a little bit of offroading my self.

Here are a few more vehicles:

1. Jeep Wrangler and any other Jeep that has the RUBICON tested badge.
2. Hummer H1/Humvees/H2 (to some extent)
3. Many other 4x4 Pick-ups such as Ford F-150 (modified of course)

These are some more true off roaders but not all of them out of the box...they're still highly modified. I've seen offroad machines built just purely out of rollcages that cost above 100k...

[warot]

Martin have you ever considered being a car journalist? Serious question... because that was so well written and contained tons of useful information. I'm really glad that GCZ can have someone with your insight.

I really don't have anything to add to the discussion now that Martin has pretty much covered... everything.

[martinbo]

Originally Posted by warot

Martin have you ever considered being a car journalist? Serious question... because that was so well written and contained tons of useful information. I'm really glad that GCZ can have someone with your insight.

I really don't have anything to add to the discussion now that Martin has pretty much covered... everything.

Thanks warot. As to your question, it's such a difficult game to break into here in SA. I have though, just had excerpts of my first write-up (it was a press release for the Prodrive WRX) for Subaru SA published in the Star Motoring two weeks back. So, who knows...

Thank you for the encouragement...

Naruto, I hear that the Jeep Wrangler is extremely capable off-road. The problem with this vehicle is that is limited in its long range capabilities - not quite suited for expeditions which require slightly larger vehicles accessorised with long range tanks and such like. Hummer is an unknown quantity in Africa. ... and I so wouldn't entrust my life to a Ford F-150.

[PanterroR]

Holy *********************!!!

Sick post, edited with Microsoft Word and saved on my HD, just in case i ever want know more about AWD!

No need to mention karma i gaved you...

[kovachian]

I've never done hardcore offroading, but I'm told that my Gr. Cherokee would be very competent, especially with bigger tires. For some reason alot of people are very surprised to discover that my Jeep has solid axles in both the front and rear.

[NarutoRamen]

Originally Posted by kovachian

I've never done hardcore offroading, but I'm told that my Gr. Cherokee would be very competent, especially with bigger tires. For some reason alot of people are very surprised to discover that my Jeep has solid axles in both the front and rear.

oh yes, Jeeps are very good offroaders (I'm not sure about all though). Most Jeeps can go where most SUVs wet their pants. The only reason you don't hear about Jeeps is because they're cheap so most people only talk about capable off-roaders like Land Rovers products...but if you hang out with enough Off-roaders (at least here in the US) they'll tell you that the amount of money they would have to spend to get a Range Rover or something they can put that in their Jeep and go where the Range can't.

It's just like the fact that Ariel Atom can beat most supercars but you won't ever hear anyone talking about that, they'd rather talk about Ferrari.

Oh and to Martinbo...I know that the Wrangler isn't a Mercedes so going on long trips is out of the question but I thought we were talking about Off-Roading? It's as comfortable as you're going to get while being in a 40+ degree lean...LOL

[martinbo]

True, kovachian and Naruto... Jeep's Grand Cherokee is still rated quite highly off-road. Of the "luxury" SUV's it is one of the best performers off-road. Good approach and (less so) departure angles and good ground clearance. Quadra-trac and Quadra Drive are very effective in off-road conditions.

... and Naruto - what's the point of going off-road if you don't have the range to go anywhere with it?

Living in Africa, long range tanks (or a good accessory rack for Jerry cans) are essential. But yes, your point is quite correct...

[BTW I reckon I'm going to move this thread to the tech talk forum, as it's more appropriate there]