Discussion
Looking at a purchase in the New Year at some time.
Short list is a Range Rover Sport Supercharged V8. As I'm wanting to amalgamate what my current p38 4.6 and my Camaro do into one vehicle (accepting the compromises this brings).
I've been in L320's in the past and I prefer how they look. I'd only be considering a late (2010 I think) facelift model with the 500bhp engine. Sadly there doesn't seem to be many of these for sale as they weren't made for long. And so far, all the ones I've seen for sale have been in colours I don't like (don't really want black, white, silver, grey).
Or do I look at the newer L494 as these were available from 2013. But they do come with quite a price jump. £10-15k more. Due to lockdown and work commitments I haven't been able to get out and have a look at them. Although I been in L405 Range Rovers. I don't think these look as good visually as the L320, but accept that dynamically they should be better. And are built on a different platform.
If I go the L320 route I'll probably take a small loan to cover the difference on purchase price vs cash deposit as a vehicle of this age is unlikely to be easy to finance via PCP. The L494 I'd have to look at some kind of PCP deal to keep the numbers sensible/within budget. But it should be more feasible being a newer vehicle.
Anyone have experience/owned both generations? Is the L494 worth the extra money?
Short list is a Range Rover Sport Supercharged V8. As I'm wanting to amalgamate what my current p38 4.6 and my Camaro do into one vehicle (accepting the compromises this brings).
I've been in L320's in the past and I prefer how they look. I'd only be considering a late (2010 I think) facelift model with the 500bhp engine. Sadly there doesn't seem to be many of these for sale as they weren't made for long. And so far, all the ones I've seen for sale have been in colours I don't like (don't really want black, white, silver, grey).
Or do I look at the newer L494 as these were available from 2013. But they do come with quite a price jump. £10-15k more. Due to lockdown and work commitments I haven't been able to get out and have a look at them. Although I been in L405 Range Rovers. I don't think these look as good visually as the L320, but accept that dynamically they should be better. And are built on a different platform.
If I go the L320 route I'll probably take a small loan to cover the difference on purchase price vs cash deposit as a vehicle of this age is unlikely to be easy to finance via PCP. The L494 I'd have to look at some kind of PCP deal to keep the numbers sensible/within budget. But it should be more feasible being a newer vehicle.
Anyone have experience/owned both generations? Is the L494 worth the extra money?
Maybe the code numbers are only known by a few?
Style wise I prefer the l320 but I’m biased as I helped get those to job 1 body wise way back when first on the market. I remember the test mules going in and out of the factory trying out different suspension settings via the software before it was chosen. One fella had what could of been the ultimate with zero body roll whilst cornering but downside was no warning when tyres would eventually stop gripping. Fab and scary at the same time.
Early l320 cars can get the lower rate of road tax. 55 reg I think. Possibly find the launch colour of orange and then retro fit a 5.0 supercharged motor? The original launch colour orange is a nice shade, not too many made though. That’s a good compromise of having a 4.2 supercharged I think
Style wise I prefer the l320 but I’m biased as I helped get those to job 1 body wise way back when first on the market. I remember the test mules going in and out of the factory trying out different suspension settings via the software before it was chosen. One fella had what could of been the ultimate with zero body roll whilst cornering but downside was no warning when tyres would eventually stop gripping. Fab and scary at the same time.
Early l320 cars can get the lower rate of road tax. 55 reg I think. Possibly find the launch colour of orange and then retro fit a 5.0 supercharged motor? The original launch colour orange is a nice shade, not too many made though. That’s a good compromise of having a 4.2 supercharged I think
300bhp/ton said:
Is the L494 worth the extra money?
In a word... 'Yes'.Whilst I think the L320 is a cracking car, the L494 is significantly better.
- It's lighter (better power:weight & on-road handling)
- Better MPG (even with the 5.0SC
) - Off-road handling is better.
- The 494 is 10yrs newer, so the tech is that much better/quicker.
FWIW - The 5.0SC came in with the 10MY facelift, prior to that it was a 4.2SC. The 5.0SC was also fitted to the L322 and neither got the 8spd when it was introduced in 2011.
For the noise, I personally prefer the 4.2SC. It has more of a growl as the 5.0SC is quite refined.
Have you considered the TDV8 as that's a cracking engine too?
M
Thanks.
TBH I'd probably be looking at an aftermarket exhaust and maybe even a remap (and pulley swap). Although not immediately.
The diesel is nice and does go well. But for the sort of use I want, the petrol would be more fun and I could live with the mpg. Also there is quite a big HP difference between the diesel and 5.0 litre supercharged. I know some claim the diesels go as well, but I think that is likely more placebo than reality.
Also I have 4 friends/family members with 4.4 TDV8's and I'd like something a bit different to them
TBH I'd probably be looking at an aftermarket exhaust and maybe even a remap (and pulley swap). Although not immediately.
The diesel is nice and does go well. But for the sort of use I want, the petrol would be more fun and I could live with the mpg. Also there is quite a big HP difference between the diesel and 5.0 litre supercharged. I know some claim the diesels go as well, but I think that is likely more placebo than reality.
Also I have 4 friends/family members with 4.4 TDV8's and I'd like something a bit different to them
300bhp/ton said:
The diesel is nice and does go well. But for the sort of use I want, the petrol would be more fun and I could live with the mpg. Also there is quite a big HP difference between the diesel and 5.0 litre supercharged. I know some claim the diesels go as well, but I think that is likely more placebo than reality.
Also I have 4 friends/family members with 4.4 TDV8's and I'd like something a bit different to them
If you haven't tried a TDV8 for yourself, I think you'd be surprised at how good it is. The 5.0SC is a fantastic engine but the TDV8 is more usable once the novelty factor has worn off... But that comes down to how you're going to be using it. The TDV8 is all about the torque, which is a fair chunk more than the 5.0SC. Once in the mid-range, it does pull very nicely (IMO it drives more like the RV8 but with more oomph!). Also I have 4 friends/family members with 4.4 TDV8's and I'd like something a bit different to them
The 4.4TDV8 was never available in the L320. In the facelifted L320, the 3.6 TDV8 was only available for 12-18mths, so that too is a rare beast.
FWIW - For something 'special' and not in the 'run-of-the-mill' boring colours, I've always had a soft spot for the original Bronze/Orange L320s, with the 4.2SC.
M
Yeah I completely love that orange colour. But the 4.2 SC is only 385hp vs 506hp for the 5.0 litre. Which is a huge difference.
I know you can tune the 4.2. But it would never be the same and cost a lot to make comparable.
Skip to 54 sec for the comparison
https://youtu.be/P1iGyRrXtwc
I know you can tune the 4.2. But it would never be the same and cost a lot to make comparable.
Skip to 54 sec for the comparison
https://youtu.be/P1iGyRrXtwc
300bhp/ton said:
Skip to 54 sec for the comparison
https://youtu.be/P1iGyRrXtwc
Yep, very familiar with that comparison on the brake straight at Gaydon... The 5.0 has done the 0-100 and back to zero, before the 4.2 has even hit 100!! Mind you, you don't want to demonstrate it too often as it gets through pads & disks at an alarming rate.https://youtu.be/P1iGyRrXtwc
If you're that focused on performance, then you're going to need the L494 as it's circa 15% lighter.
M
That video makes out the 4.2 has rubbish brakes also with the distance between them. Granted the 5.0 is quicker to 100mph but in real world driving I’ve never seen a Range Rover take off like that ever. Also l320 used galvanised steel panels so rust won’t be an issue. If anything aluminium although lighter is more expensive to repair when damaged and it does corrode. White powder instead of orange.
RobXjcoupe said:
That video makes out the 4.2 has rubbish brakes also with the distance between them. Granted the 5.0 is quicker to 100mph but in real world driving I’ve never seen a Range Rover take off like that ever.
IIRC - They're both fitted with the same brakes (Brembo). Most of the L320s have the TDV6, so taking off like that is simply not an option.
RobXj said:
Also l320 used galvanised steel panels so rust won’t be an issue.
The bodywork will remain tidy but the chassis suffer.M
As the fella said above I’m sure all supercharged versions are fitted with bigger brembo calipers.
Smart vehicles which ever body version you choose.
Land Rover seem to get a bad rap with the electronics. Probably due to the expense of fixing things, let’s face it a Range Rover is the kudos of all Land Rover SUVs and they are not farm like anymore due to the premium market they are sold in so yes expensive to fault find and repair. Eventually people suss things though and no need for main dealer expenditure then.
Smart vehicles which ever body version you choose.
Land Rover seem to get a bad rap with the electronics. Probably due to the expense of fixing things, let’s face it a Range Rover is the kudos of all Land Rover SUVs and they are not farm like anymore due to the premium market they are sold in so yes expensive to fault find and repair. Eventually people suss things though and no need for main dealer expenditure then.
300bhp/ton said:
Maybe I titled this badly? Or is nobody interested in these vehicles here?
It's probably due to the years and years of you telling owners of this era of Land Rover products that their cars are inferior to your old P38. You certainly did it to me on a post when mentioning my old Supercharged Rangie. Funny how your tone changes now you're in the market for one!ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
It's probably due to the years and years of you telling owners of this era of Land Rover products that their cars are inferior to your old P38. You certainly did it to me on a post when mentioning my old Supercharged Rangie. Funny how your tone changes now you're in the market for one!
Are you sure that is what I said? Or was it more likely that I was referring to specific off road capability. Which I'd still stand-by now.ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
It's probably due to the years and years of you telling owners of this era of Land Rover products that their cars are inferior to your old P38. You certainly did it to me on a post when mentioning my old Supercharged Rangie. Funny how your tone changes now you're in the market for one!
As you've failed to respond. I did a search and can only see this as a reason for your allegations:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Are you really throwing your toys out of the pram because in that thread a page earlier I. posted pictures of L322's waving wheels in the air?
Can’t comment on engines.
But I find both to be rather small cabin wise for their exterior size.
The mk1 didn’t feel much larger than my current freeby 2 and was no where near as spacious inside as my old D3.
2 friends went from D3 and a D4 into 2015 autobiography models, both diesels though.
The D3 owner is discussing going from the RRS to a late D4 as the boot space is again not as big as the 3 and is limiting his use of the car for camping etc.
The D4 owner is happy with his RRS but we have found we can’t get 3 peoples scuba diving kit in it.
For an engine wise. I would get the Mk2 with the 5.0 as it’s a nicer car and still the current shape so isn’t as dated as the older model.
Timing chains can be an issue on them so that may be a consideration.
But I find both to be rather small cabin wise for their exterior size.
The mk1 didn’t feel much larger than my current freeby 2 and was no where near as spacious inside as my old D3.
2 friends went from D3 and a D4 into 2015 autobiography models, both diesels though.
The D3 owner is discussing going from the RRS to a late D4 as the boot space is again not as big as the 3 and is limiting his use of the car for camping etc.
The D4 owner is happy with his RRS but we have found we can’t get 3 peoples scuba diving kit in it.
For an engine wise. I would get the Mk2 with the 5.0 as it’s a nicer car and still the current shape so isn’t as dated as the older model.
Timing chains can be an issue on them so that may be a consideration.
300bhp/ton said:
ruprechtmonkeyboy said:
It's probably due to the years and years of you telling owners of this era of Land Rover products that their cars are inferior to your old P38. You certainly did it to me on a post when mentioning my old Supercharged Rangie. Funny how your tone changes now you're in the market for one!
As you've failed to respond. I did a search and can only see this as a reason for your allegations:https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Are you really throwing your toys out of the pram because in that thread a page earlier I. posted pictures of L322's waving wheels in the air?
You truly are a mentalist but thanks for the laugh!!!!!
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