Disco4 245/255 much difference?

[240Cup]

So the family wagon needs updating, looking at Merc GL350 and Disco 4. Neither of which are actually quite big enough..but that's a different issue..!

I seem to be able to get into a 2010 Disco 4 XS for late twenties, based on the 245/6 speed auto or need to pay closer to 40 for the updated 255 with 8 speed ZF and flappy paddles.

Anyone any experience of both? Is the power upgrade/different gearbox a big difference? I drove the 245 and it seemed plenty pokey.

Cheers,

240

[qureshia]

More like mid £30's for a 62 plate XS (8 speed etc)

The wife has one, gearbox is great, paddles work well, however the power is harder to call above the 241 (I think it is 241 verus 253)

Compared to the old 2.7 disco3 it is now epic fast & smooth

Personally I prefer the whole flush central console bit, together with the pop up gear change knob

[camel_landy]

Yep, know both well...

The main thing is that 8spd does make a big difference when cruising as it keeps the engine revs down.

M

[Ian_H]

I've had a MY2011 D4 with the six speed box and now have a MY2012 D4 with the eight speed box, the latter is so much better, the gearbox is just so much smoother and you hardly notice it changing gear. It also seems to suit the power of the car so much better. The flappy paddles work well and they are easier to use if you use the car off road, the eight speed is also slightly better on the mpg

[XTR2Turbo]

Ian_H said:

I've had a MY2011 D4 with the six speed box and now have a MY2012 D4 with the eight speed box, the latter is so much better, the gearbox is just so much smoother and you hardly notice it changing gear.

Exactly right this man.

Both auto boxes have their limitations and frustrations in different situations but the 8 speed is a vast vast improvement on the old 6 speed and easily worth the extra money.

I had a D3 manual for 6 years and last year changed to a D4 8 speed. Every year from when the D3 was 3 years old I would think of changing and would test drive the 6 speed auto that was then al you could buy and go back to the drawing board not happy to change. Even borrowed a car for a few days. The 8 speed was good enough that I decided I could live with the auto.

I don't think the power will be that noticeable on its own but the 8 speed has so much quicker changes and closer ratios that this gives a performance benefit probably more than the engine.

Also look carefully at the real life fuel consumption of the 6 speed auto and certain engine specs. For some reason it really was shockingly bad.

Edited by XTR2Turbo on Wednesday 21st August 20:54