Freelander vs Discovery vs Defender

JeffBanks · Nov 6, 2017

Evening all,

I’m constantly reading back and forth remarks about how one of the above is better than the other at off roading.

Which one is the daddy? I’m new to ‘off roading’ and Green Laning malarkey so I’m intrigued to know the pros and cons of each model.

Let the bickering commence.

-Mark

neilly · Nov 6, 2017

Obviously the freelander is the daddy.........Honest.

Does that make you feel happy?................

@blue beasty how long before this has to be moved to AG???

Cheers

Shimsteriom · Nov 6, 2017

Do it now ... do it now.....

JeffBanks · Nov 6, 2017

neilly said:
Obviously the freelander is the daddy.........Honest.

Does that make you feel happy?................

@blue beasty how long before this has to be moved to AG???

Cheers

That makes me feel fantastic but I’m asking this on genuine interest. I’ve currently got a Freelander but looking to buy something more ‘off road’ suitable

JeffBanks · Nov 6, 2017

Guessing I posted in the wrong section?

Iancorky · Nov 6, 2017

The Defender is the best off roader out of the 3, however the Discovery is the middle ground and is a lot more comfortable than the Defender on long journeys. The Freelander is great for something, I believe.

ian mitchell · Nov 6, 2017

not needing as much welding.lol.

blue beasty · Nov 6, 2017

JeffBanks said:
Guessing I posted in the wrong section?

No this section is fine.

All models have pros and cons but if your asking about just off road as standard a 90 wins everytime simply because of ground clearance and wheelbase.

End of thread

blue beasty · Nov 6, 2017

Iancorky said:
The Defender is the best off roader out of the 3, however the Discovery is the middle ground and is a lot more comfortable than the Defender on long journeys. The Freelander is great for something, I believe.

A D1 with the same running gear will generally do better off road than a 110.

Wheelbase

Discoslow · Nov 6, 2017

Discovery 5 is the best.

The Mad Hat Man · Nov 6, 2017

blue beasty said:
A D1 with the same running gear will generally do better off road than a 110.

Wheelbase

wots the name of the lane in Cumbria that has a wheelbase limit of 100 inches?

just found it - Gatescarth Pass

"10. 4×4 vehicles with a wheelbase of over 100 inch are not permitted to drive Gatescarth Pass. This is because of the damage caused by larger 4 x 4s. Please read the Driver and rider guidance for more detailed information. You will be refused access on the permit day if your vehicle does not meet these requirements."

bankz5152 · Nov 6, 2017

blue beasty said:
A D1 with the same running gear will generally do better off road than a 110.

Wheelbase

How dare you!

Be bloody right

but 110s look way cooler than Discos!

300bhp/ton · Nov 6, 2017

JeffBanks said:
Evening all,

I’m constantly reading back and forth remarks about how one of the above is better than the other at off roading.

Which one is the daddy? I’m new to ‘off roading’ and Green Laning malarkey so I’m intrigued to know the pros and cons of each model.

Let the bickering commence.

-Mark

1. Green laning is not off roading. They are all part of the Queens Highway and are most definitely roads.

2. Almost no green lane in the country is all that extreme. Meaning most stock 4x4’s should be fine. If you are on a lane that is extreme, then chances are it’s not actually a legal lane. Or you really shouldn’t be driving it in that condition.

3. Off road it depends. The Freelander lacks ground clearance and has poor approach, departure and ramp over angles and has large over hangs. And poor suspension travel and articulation. This means deep tramline ruts can easily beach one. And they will be more prone to lifting a wheel.

The TCS and relative low weight and good power mean they work well on snow, grass and sand however. But mud and ruts less so.

4. A Discovery is essentially a Defender just with a bigger heavier body with worse approach and departure angles and bigger over hangs. The longer wheelbase can help in some situations but makes for a less nimble vehicle with a bigger turning circle.

D1’s never came with TCS or other traction aids. D2’s do have TCS which can give them an advantage in certain cross axle situations and slick surfaces. But most don’t have a centre difflock which can limit this addition.

5. Defender 90’s are the smallest and most nimble and have equal suspension and drivetrain to a D1’s and Td5 onwards optional TCS. The bodywork is also a lot less vulnerable than the others.

300bhp/ton · Nov 6, 2017

JeffBanks said:
That makes me feel fantastic but I’m asking this on genuine interest. I’ve currently got a Freelander but looking to buy something more ‘off road’ suitable

Generally something with live axles works well off road and smaller vehciles often suit British terrain. Ground clearance is also beneficial.

For laning a Freelander can be fine. Just expect a few more scratches and a few more knocks. TCS will be essential and fitting some bigger tyres and maybe a lift will help too.

Lack of low range (forgot to mention in my post above) can also be a huge disadvantage.

Jeep Cherokee XJ or Wrangler are extremely capable and well suited to U.K. terrain due to their size. And the Suzuki Jimny is also a very capable 4x4.

300bhp/ton · Nov 6, 2017

Just to give an idea of how independent suspension works vs live axles.

Btw also worth reading up and understanding how different 4wd systems work. As most will not be able to make all the wheels spin all of the time. Which is critical to understanding how a Vehcile May perform in a certain situation.

The difference is 3 wheels vs 4 wheels on the ground. The latter is much more stable and will be less prone to rolling over. Will feel more confident and pleasant and will have traction on all of the wheels.

This is the wrong Disco. But shows what can happen with large overhangs when off road.

And some lanes have deep ruts. A Stock height Freelander May struggle here and get beached easily.

gstuart · Nov 6, 2017

bankz5152 said:
How dare you!

Be bloody right but 110s look way cooler than Discos!

can we also sneak in a d3 for arguments sake

will get my coat , lol

110s are the coolest , , thk god i didn’t say that out loud

JeffBanks · Nov 6, 2017

Thank you all for your comments and opinions. After reading through I’m drawn towards looking into a defender.

Now to convince the missus..

-Mark

gstuart · Nov 6, 2017

JeffBanks said:
Thank you all for your comments and opinions. After reading through I’m drawn towards looking into a defender.

Now to convince the missus..

-Mark

plus one what @300bhp/ton has said plus may i also add if u have a look on u tube there are many videos of how different systems work

gstuart · Nov 6, 2017

@JeffBanks

goonarmy · Nov 6, 2017

JeffBanks said:
Thank you all for your comments and opinions. After reading through I’m drawn towards looking into a defender.

Now to convince the missus..

-Mark

Drive one before buying one. They are terrible cars but good offroaders.

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