G Wagen questions

[Zadkiel]

Hi guys, I bought a Land Rover Defender a while ago and I am loving the rugged utilitarian ability it has. However I am a bit let down by the overall build quality and the lack of shoulder space is really getting to me. So I have been checking out the well built alternative, the G Wagen, however I have a couple of questions.

For context the vehicle will not be my every day driver, it is more something that I want to be very reliable, flexible and ready to be used in all circumstances.

1. Originally I was looking at a early 90s G300 (M103 engine) as they are by far the most common option here in NZ (almost the only option baring near new G350 diesels) and I like their mostly straightforward interior and hopefully simplicity. My biggest concern however is that with such a heavy vehicle they will just be too gutless to be enjoyable.

2. This lead me the do a significant man maths leap to potentially importing a G55. I figure one thing that will ramp up the enjoyment is V8 rumble and it will certainly solve the grunt issue. However my concern with them is that it will completed eliminate all of the "basic" feel and also introduce reliability woes with all the added electrical complexity these engines bring.

What are everyones thoughts?

[Zadkiel]

Hm, I think it is a case of G300 is enough, G55 is more than enough, which can often be the way to go

Tough decision.

[Zadkiel]

What era 500 is it? There are a few here but they are LHD which is a nuisance and there is no road trips to Europe to make it better.