Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2001/10/05
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]Hi Austin, You are correct in that there are small differences like spring rates and so forth. But these differences are just minor optimizations to best suit the intended use of the vehicle. I hold to my statement that the Discovery (pre series II Disco, mind you) platform is the same as the current Defender. Sharing a platform doesn't mean exactly the same in every detail. My fault for being unclear on this. I made a statement that the Land Rovers are the only suitable expedition vehicle left on the market. That includes Discovery as well as the Defenders. The Series vehicles are strictly in the domain of enthusiasts now. They are just getting too old to be reliable for real expedition work. My point was only that Discovery is every bit the workhorse the Defender is. I know, I drive both. Like the R8 and M6, each tool has a specialized purpose. By virtue of its very high payload as a percentage of gross vehicle weight, the 110 is unbeatable as a load carrier, but as a long haul people carrier, it is suboptimal. The 90s payload as % of gvw is around that of a Discovery. The 90 has all the disadvantages of the 110 (noisy, non-existant climate control, poor ergonomics, fatigues drivers quickly), with the smaller payload of the Discovery. You and I know that Land Rover owners can't agree any more than Leica users. Guess we should give it a rest before we are both taken out and flogged by our fellow LUGgers! BTW, some friends and I are talking about a few different excursions. Namibia/Botswana/S. Africa, a longitide route Anchorage->Tierra del Fuego, using the continental divide trail, and others. We are also watching Myanmar closely, because once they begin allowing foreign vehicles to transit through, it will be possible to go from London to Singapore overland without going through China. Give me a shout off-list if you are interested in discussing any of these further. Should be alot of great opportunitities to use the Leicas! Take care, - --Jim - ----- Original Message ----- From: "Austin Franklin" <darkroom@ix.netcom.com> To: <leica-users@mejac.palo-alto.ca.us> Sent: Friday, October 05, 2001 1:14 PM Subject: RE: [Leica] System Compatibility and Equipment Reliability > > Austin, > > Nope, the suspension is virtually identical. > > I do believe some parts are the same, but really "virtually" is pretty > amorphous. You said it was the (and I quote) "Discovery is just a different > body on the EXACT same platform as the Defender". I think you may have been > a bit "optimistic" in that claim. > > It is not untypical for any auto manufacturer to use common parts across > models...but there are still differences, like spring rates, ECUs as well as > many other "differences". The D110 does not have the same differential, it > uses a Salisbury in the rear. > > > Before you pass judgement, > > Pass judgment on what? I drive a current model RR...and I've had RRs and > LRs for over 20 years... > > > take a current model Land Rover on a REAL > > overland trek, then come back and tell us what you think. > > I've done it many times, and it's great...I'm missing your point...do you > think I don't like them or something? If that's what you think, you're > mistaken, I do like them very much or I wouldn't own one! > > -- > To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html > - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html