Pajero driving assists

Hi Lloyd. I have had a pre traction control V6 petrol NM Pajero and now have a with traction control, ASC, EBD etc diesel NP. Further, we often travel with a 120 series V6 Prado with no traction control and a 120 series D4D Prado with no traction control.

Comparing the two Pajeros, the traction control is absolutely worth it in my opinion. The NP is much much more capable and much less likely to get stuck when lifting a wheel. The ASC is a bit of a hinderance in sand but you can turn it off if speeds are kept under 80 kph. In short, I love it.

The 120 Prados however - they are very capable off-road without traction control. The rear axle on them has a hell of a lot of travel and the front IRS isn't too bad either. Given it's a chasis design it also has a fair bit of flex there as well. So it's much less prone to lifting a wheel than the Pajeros. The 120's used to run rings around our NM off-road, the NP is now about it's equal it would seem.

Re the AWD / 2WD. I dont actually think there is much in it re fuel use. I often run 4H in the wet and have yet to notice an economy difference. Use it for towing as well.

Both the Prado and the Paj are very capable vehicles and the Pajero is highly under-rated IMHO. Personally I prefer the Pajero's on-road handling. But you might prefer the Prado's NVH. Prado V6 is a sweet donk. The DID, as rattly as it is, just has the edge over the D4D in the horsepower stakes. 6 Speed manual in the Prado is a pearler though.

Should be said that all the vehicles noted above have 2" lifts and AT or better tyres. So I'm not comparing stock vehicles.

Pat

I'm not convinced that constant 4wd does use more fuel. Whether 2 wheels drive or 4, the road friction is n o different nor is the mass of the vehicle. At best let's say there is a slight difference, it might be worth considering the extra stability and traction from having constant 4wd?
The situation where you "gass it up" and the back end starts coming around is extremely difficult in a constant 4wd.
It has been discussed on other forums with mixed results, some people claim mileage is the same, one claims a 14% decrease.
I'm pressuring you could google the economy for each to compare?