V8 fuel consumption vs TD5 Consumption & performance

**offroad junky** · 2009/04/21

Hey guys,

I'm looking at buying a Land Rover Discovory II but I'm torn between the V8

and the TD5

.

I love the sound of the V8 and I'm sure it will have loads of power but how is it's fuel consumption? I know it's a V8 and it all depends on the weight of that well known right foot.....but in general civilized driving

.....

Then there is the TD5. I'm used to a diesel and I'm spoilt with the diesel's easy driving offroad and the low down torque.

What is the feeling of the majority of Land Rover drivers, V8 or TD5?

I love to do trails and do take the long road every now and then but not that much. Most of my travels are basically in and around town.

Please advise.....

**pretdave** · 2009/04/22

Hi ORJ

I enjoy my TD5 , in particular the fuel consumption , which can be better than 10 if I really try , but averages closer to 9 long term.
My understanding is that with a V8 you will average closer to 5.5 km/l , but will get 7.5 if you really try...

So which to go for ?
My advice is the V8 - probably cheaper to buy than the TD5 , and maintenance probably cheaper.
The TD5 might disappoint if you are expecting low down torque - below about 1600 rpm it is a little dead ...

Cheers Dave

**George** · 2009/04/22

In short the Td5 is a little underpowered for the size and weight of a DiscoveryII. All in all a nice engine with enough power when you need it. I've had three of them and never had any power issues in rocky or sand terrains.

The V8 is a something totally different. It also has heaps of torque, much more power and in general I'd almost say a nicer drive because it is more reactive. The downside is the fuel consumption and therefor the amount of fuel you have to carry along on long trips, but in the long run the cost of ownership would probably be not far apart between the two.

In essence both are good and purely boils down to the question - do you liek petrol or diesel. Get whatever one fancies you.

**Rain Hard** · 2009/04/22

Hi, I drive a Disco 2V8 but with a free flow and branch (if that makes a difference).

I just complested 2950km in Moz and RSA - Tar, deep sand and dirt. I was fully laden with 3 people and kit, 80l water, gas, long range tanks, jerry cans, etc.

My vehicle did 12.5l/100km or 8km/l - which I am pleased about. Just remember if you're getting 10l/100km in a TD5 and want to drive a V8, you're only really paying the difference which is 2.5l/100 km (R17 more per 100km).

Cheers
Reinhardt

**MadDog80** · 2009/04/22

Hi All,

i usually drive my TD5 in town with an average of 70km per day.
The average of the consumption over a period of almost 29000km has been 8.89km/l.

During easter period i did 1550km in 3 days.... 75% on highways....
Cruising with cruise control set at 120km/h and the use of this gadget makes a real difference in fuel consumption the overall average was 10.3Km/l.

I believe that V8 and TD5 are very different cars. Like Soccer or Rugby....
Love it or hate it....

The characteristics are so different that i think a comparison is almost impossible.

**offroad junky** · 2009/04/22

Thanks guys. You all have good arguments. I was inclined to buy the V8 but was put off by a friend who had one and said he had terrible fuel consumption. I guess he had a very heavy foot....

I have a diesel Ford Ranger and I'm spoilt by it's low down torque and ease to drive offroad, especially at low speed crawling. If the TD 5 is under powered like some of you say, then I'd rather go for the V8

... Not much difference at the end of the day.

**dieteroptom** · 2009/04/22

I dirive a 03 disco 2 td5 and really enjoying it....12.5l per 100km. But to solve the sound of the engine of a v8 I got one a disco1 at a very reasonable price.....so buy both!

**Boyscout** · 2009/04/22

I used to drive the V8 and now have the TD5 both with auto. My opinion. The V8 certainly had better acceleration. It was fun to be able to put foot and the Disco would accelerate along the entire rev range. This is one of my only frustrations with the TD5. Its usless at anything above 3000 RPM. You have to learn how to drive the TD5 to get the best out of it. The TD5 is however by no means a slouch. You can get pretty brisk performance out of it.

ITO fuel consumption I got around 6km/l with the V8 and currently get around 8km/l with the TD5. Range with the std tank was 530km with the V8 and about 720 with the TD5.

I feel that the TD5 tows my trailer better than the V8 did.

About the sound. The 8 certainly had a glorious roar, however it is really silenced so much that you don't really hear it inside the Disco.

I had the 44gal drum of a centre silencer removed on the TD5 and it now has a healthy roar and it made a huge improvement on the bottom end performance and the sound is pretty close to a V8 anyway. As far as maintenance is concerned I haven't spent much more on the TD5 than on the V8. IMHO the maintenance costs are much of a muchness whichever you choose.

If you can live with the V8s consumption go for it. To me the extra 2kms/l makes a difference.

A difficult choice indeed.

**offroad junky** · 2009/04/22

Boyscout,

You're not helping...

My heart wants the V8 because it is every little boy's dream to have a big V8...but my mind tells me the TD5 will be the better buy.

Boyscout, according to your figuers, is the fuel tank on those Disco's a 90L tank? If so, they are pretty heavy on fuel, worse than my Ranger with 33" tyres....My Ranger's tank is 75L and I get 650km on a tank, whether I drive in town or the long road.....

, I know, I don't understand it neither....

I geuss I need to go and test drive the respective models myself....

**serieslr** · 2009/04/22

The TD5's low down torque problem can easily be fixed by removing the centre silencer , like boyscout said. It makes a huge difference and it's an easy fix.

I would say the TD5 will give you around 2km/l better fuel consumption but as boyscout said it's a much of a muchness.

IMHO the TD5 will be easier at low speed off roading, like steep inclines and rock crawling, but on sand dunes the V8 will be much better.

Also open road traveling with the V8 will be easier, but with the same size tanks will give the TD5 2 x tank size km better reaching distance. Meaning with 100 liter you can go 200km further on average with the TD5.

The V8 is a real fill-up and go vehicle where the TD5 has it's niggles and you will need to pay attention to it. It's got week spots that you will have to check regularly to keep it reliable. The single biggest problem with TD5s are their water cooling pipe routing. And I believe LR service centres don't check them thouroughly while the vehicle is in for a service. So this is really going to be up to you.

My advice is take them for a spin and buy the one than tickles you butt.
If this is going to be your first LR welcome to the fertinity.
It's really a life style choice and it will provide you with endless pleasure, LR jokes and great commoraderie. A LR will certainly slowdown your life and make sure you enjoy every moment.

LR Greetings!
BTW for a Discovery I'll pick the V8. Try and get the Disco II Facelift post 2003

**offroad junky** · 2009/04/23

Serieslr,

We all know which one will tickle my butt....

on Auto Trader;
I can get a 2001 Disco 2 with roof rack, winch, ladder on the back and spots on the roofrack for R129 000 and it's got 135 000km on the clock. It's black and the wife likes the look.

There is also a champaigne colored V8, 2003 facelift model with 136 000km on the clocks for R139 000....

Both are good buys according to me but I'm NO Land Rover buff.....I'm not at all bothered about the V8's fuel consuption but SWAMBO makes a big fuss about it...

Decisions decisions.....

**O.B.** · 2009/04/23

Here is some advice that will upset her:

Get the V8 for open road and so on.
Get a bike for the excellent urban fuel economy

**wtrlan** · 2009/04/23

Rain Hard - did you find any difference in your fuel consumption when you put the free flow on?

**pretdave** · 2009/04/23

HI ORJ

You mention a 2001 and 2003 model : be aware that some of the Disco 2's did not come with a Central Diff Lock fitted as standard.
With a CDL the Disco 2 is awsome off road , without a CDL it is below average.
The 2001 definitely did not have a CDL as standard . On the 98-2000 models it was easy and inexpensive to retrofit . From 2001 to 2003 it required a transfer case removal and rebuild or replacement. From 2004 , hallelujah a CDL was fitted standard. The cars you are looking at could be included in the "bad years" , or the 2003 might just have made it to the standard fitment group. Be aware ...

Cheers Dave

**PITTE** · 2009/04/23

We bought the V8 disco1 1998 a couple of months back, done 7k already, and I can honestly say I dont regret it even for a minute. the silky smooth sound the awesome power .....
Drove to Pongola this morning over Jozini (mountain) speed between 100 and 150km/h (don't tell anyone) and it gave me 6.15km/l. If you drive with a heavy foot you Will pay otherwise I dont think there will be much of a difference in real terms.

As a diesel fan myself I can honestly say once you drive the V8 you wont want the TD5.

**offroad junky** · 2009/04/24

Thanks guys, your input is greatly appreciated.

Pretdave, thanks a mil for that info in the centre diff lock. I'll be sure to ask and check that out particularly.

Pitte, I get about 8,9 km/l with my Ranger and it has 33" tyres on and yes, the diff ratios were changed from the standard Ford ratios to that of the Toyota front axle. I think it's 5,1:1 if I can remember correctly, I'm speaking under correction here...

So, the 6,15km/l up to 8 km/l if you drive like an old man is NOT bad for the V8 Disco.

Thanks again.

**philippus** · 2009/05/03

Hi,

I bought a Disco II V8 about a year ago, now 200k on the clock. A very reliable car. Average consumption on road (with a/c) and off road (low range) +-5.2 km/l.

The reliability of the TD5 was an issue for me - I wanted to spend as little as possible on a weekend car. The 1999 Disco 2 V8 GS Auto with 180k for
R 56 000.00 was a BARGAIN!!!

I have the center diff lock and t/c and have done a lot of 4x4'ing - VERY NICE!!!

Hope you enjoy your car...

PS: Don't buy to quickly there are many good bargains coming along!

**Estee** · 2009/05/11

Go for the V8. You wont get the range of the diesels but it is an awsome engine. My Rangie V8 does @ 620kms on a tank 95Lt or 15.5L/100 whereas a mate of my will get double the range from his TDi Disco 1.

As an all round choice for daily commute and offroad, the V8 is brilliant and relatively cheap to maintain if you do it yourself. Offroad, I find the low range 1st not as good on decents as a Dizzy which takes a little getting used to at first. Sani Pass is done in High range up and low 1,2 & 3 down, I realy love the versatility of this engine (as you might have guessed).

**Craigb** · 2009/05/11

Buy my td5 so I can get a v8 ...

**George** · 2009/05/12

I wouldn't mind a V8 again for the oemph and sound, but as I mentioned earlier it boils down to you personal requirements and liking. The two models are neck on neck and neither can be said as being better or worse than the other.

I'm about to buy a Td5 again... my 4th