gu 3.0

Mark,
I drove both on the same day when I was choosing a vehicle. I felt the Patrol had an even or gradual increase in acceleretion whereas the Cruiser had a lag and then took off. I choose the Cruiser because I'm not into draging off from the lights but when I'm sitting behind a truck at 90 kph and want some power the Cruiser left the Patrol for dead. The Patrol is a great vehicle but the Cruiser better met my needs. By the way, the torque curve for the 1HD-FTE engine is flat at its maximum from 1,800-3,400rpm.

Mal T.

Mal,
Granted, the cruiser is ultimately more powerful when standard, but have you also driven a dtronics chipped 3.0TD? That more than makes up the difference power-wise!!! (but widens again with a dtronics chipped cruiser)

If Toyota had a cruiser with live front axle, turbo diesel, barn doors and ABS then I would of bought it, mainly because my 80 series gave me such a good run I would have stuck with the brand. But Toyota are chasing $$$ now, not the real 4wdriver, and are starting to go soft IMHO.

Now I have the Nissan I am VERY happy with it. It may not have the same level of interior fit and finish of a cruiser, but it is still very well put together. With the significant amount of $$$ saved, it can fully equip the Nissan (lockers, winch, tyres, lift kit, UHF & HF + overhead console, draws etc...) and still have change from a bog standard GXL turbo.

Bottom line is, both vehicles are VERY good 4WD's. One can discuss all day the merits of the patrol bullet proof driveline vs the sweet 4.2TD cruiser engine etc.. but neither vehicle can claim superiority over the other. Just look at 4X4 mag tests, Nissan won this year, Cruiser last year and so on.

THE most important thing is that one is happy with their choice, and it sounds like we both are!!!

Cheers

Mark

Mark,

I think we will just have to agree to agree. Both great vehicles, glad you are happy too.

Regards,

Mal T.