Jeep Wrangler v Landrover Defender
Jeep Wrangler v Landrover Defender
Any comparison review between the Jeep Wrangler v Landrover Defender has got to be interesting as both are legends in their own right. This review is totally unbiased with both vehicles standard.
I don’t believe it is possible to say overall one is better than the other, and neither does the review team. It is really a case of selecting the one that best meets your requirements.
The Jeep name became legendary during WW2 and quickly grew on its go anywhere reputation after the war when Jeep released its civilian model. It is safe to say the Jeep set the pace for other manufacturers to get going and develop their own version of a light 4 x 4’s and get into this fast growing market.
Land Rover, a division of Rover cars a well respected UK company, released its Series 1 Land Rover early in 1948 and it too quickly became a legend.
Like the Jeep it went on to develop a range of models and body styles for both civilian and military use.
Its original engine was 1600 cc, then the 1997 cc F head engine.
Next was the 4 cylinder 2286 cc OHV gas or diesel with a 3 bearing crankshaft. These had a tendency to break but it was 1980 before an upgrade to 5 main bearing crankshaft was made.
The chassis in Series I, II and III were prone to rust out if they weren’t kept clean and a form of rust protection used.
For a time during the 1960’s the 2625 cc Rover car engine was available for those wanting more power.
When the Range Rover was released this used the Buick 3.5L V8.
A quick side note I had a LWB Series II Landrover for a while to tow my boat. Put a 6 cylinder 3.3L engine in and Range Rover diff heads.
Made quite a good tow vehicle except for those brakes, or I should say the lack of them. Were still poor after a total rebuild.
Below is the video – click on it. This story continues underneath.
Both the Jeep and the Landrover are designed more for of road handling, so if you are buying one mostly for on road use don’t expect these will handled like your car or modern pickup because they wont.
Go off road, and if this is your intention then they are a totally different vehicle. This is what they are designed to do best.
The comparison between the Wrangler Rubicon and the Defender was done in South Africa, it is comprehensive, unbiased and takes in all the important points people want to know about:
Comfort and room
Driving position
Visibility
Descent Control
Traction Control
Suspension travel
Best way to descend and climb hills
Payload capacity.
Special thanks to 4x4overland.com for this video. Screen shots are from the video.
Like to see more Jeeps compared to other 4 x 4’s –
http://4x4jpnews.com/2015-cherokee-v-2015-murano/
http://4x4jpnews.com/325-2/ Renegade V Wrangler off-road
http://4x4jpnews.com/jeep-grand-cherokee-srt-vs-mercedes-benz-g63-amg/
http://4x4jpnews.com/willys-jeep-vs-jd-gator/ old v new boy
