4.4 or 4.6 - Is there really that much difference ?

[Paulpen]

Following on from my initial questions a while back here :
http://xdrivers.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,13121.msg132038.html#msg132038

Ive now taken a deposit on my Landcruiser and have had a look at a couple of E53's.

Having driven both a 4.4 and a 3.0D I can see the merits for both and im yet to find a 4.6 to try however is there in reality much difference in how the 4.6 drives compared to the 4.4 ?. I understand there are the visable differences (wheels, exhausts, brakes, bumper and arch addons etc) but does it drive or feel differently ?

I only ask as I love the look of a 4.6 however I imagine there are also inflated cost that come with the extras - brakes I imagine are costly along with insurance and many other pieces.

In reality and to aid in having a wider selection to buy from am I better chasing down a nice 4.4 and then just getting some 4.6 wheels ?  :-[

[Greydog]

I have owned both 4.4 and 4.6 and for what it's worth here are my thoughts.

Firstly performance on paper the 4.6 is very quick, but in day to day driving you would be hard pressed to notice a difference between the two. However tread on the loud pedal and the 4.6 really does get up and go. The ride quality in the 4.6 on 20" wheels is harsh on everything but smooth tarmac. On my 18" winter wheels the ride is definitely more compliant by comparison the 4.4 on 19" wheels was the better ride.
We brought the 4.4 as a tow car for a Horse trailer a job that it did very well, I also wanted a vehicle that would transport 2 or 3 guys and my dogs off road in the shooting season again mission accomplished.
The 4.6 replaced the 4.4 when it was written of by a falling tree.
The 4.4 ran LPG so was the more economical to run day to day but the on board computer on both cars was around 19mpg average over mixed driving and towing reasonable for a V8.

The only disappointing thing for me is the constant "fettling" that X5's need (I know it weighs 2 tons but so do many others), for a "Premium" brand the engineering quality is fragile at best, plain poor at worst I am comparing the X5 to other Quality cars I have owned Merc, Volvo, Porsche, Subaru ( my wife has a 3.0 Outback with Perrin upgrades. Seriously quick and in 12 years it has only needed annual services and just passed its MOT again no advisories). If you buy any model make sure you take out a good warranty to help protect your wallet.

[X5Sport]

It's due to the ideas coming from a Land Rover - and we know how bad they are!

Later versions after the E53 with less LR input are much better.

[Paulpen]

Greydog - just the comparison I was after really !. Without a noticable difference in the driving side of it for me personally I dont think its worth the extra expense (dont get me wrong money no object and id not be as worried). As someone who is coming from slow diesel 4x4's with leaf springs and wanting more power and comfort it sounds like a 4.4 on a nice set of 19 or 20 inch wheels will do the job for me - especially as im not doing many miles and do tow occasionally.

I certainly understand about the relaibility and LR input part - I did initially want a L322 Range Rover having driven a few but from speaking to previous owners they are a nightmare to own if you ant something reliable where everything works !. I know the E53 wont be bullet proof but it seems a better option and uses pretty much the same engine and gearbox with more relaible surroundings !

[Greydog]

Even with my criticism at the end of my comparison I am still driving the 4.6 daily, when the 4.4 got squashed the Insurers found the 4.6 as a replacement. Had I chosen myself and knowing what I have since learned I would have looked for a Facelift 4.4 320bhp with the 6 speed box.
Just make sure you budget for a good Warranty to  protect against any big issues. If your handy with spanners you can do a lot yourself to reduce cost and there is a wealth of knowledge and help here.

[Paulpen]

Cheers chap

Ive never really got involved with any kind of warrany before so am unsure of the costs and what they do and dont cover in all honesty

[graemeX5]

Hi

The best bit of advice.is to read the E53 buyers guide it really helped and I ended up with a 4.4 V8 facelift 54 plater car. The first car I looked at was an 06 3.0d with all the toys, but decided not the car for me.

I test drove the 4.6 but that had a 5 speed box it felt busy and the later 4.8 with a 6 speed box which was my preference but I just couldn't find a good one at the time and decided that the air suspension at the front and pan roof could be costly so I ended up with a 4.4 without air suspension at the front and just on the rear and no panoramic roof.

I made my 4.4 look like a 4.8 with wheels arches and front and rear bumpers and for two years a set of 22" wheels updated the other options stopped the head unit etc, and i had 4 years of trouble free motoring.

There are plenty of cars out there and be choosey, check all the usual car bits and that all the electrics work mirrors roofs seats etc check for water in rear footwells the pan roof and that air suspension on cars at rear work and the check control on the dash has no errors or if 4.6 or 4.8 the fronts work as the suspension goes up and down slightly and that it all works, if not it is costly to fix.

Once you find a good one then keep on top of the maintenance and it will be enjoyable.

Good luck with the search .

Graeme

[Paulpen]

Cheers chap

Eyes peeled but loads of time to find the right one so no rushing into anything