06 LR3 choice: Base V6 vs SE V8

[DennisC]

Today I drove LR3s with each engine and, honestly, had a hard time detecting much difference. The V8 had a bit more ooomph, but was no head-snapper. Somewhat better than the V6 at freeway speed. The V6 actually seemed smoother in driving. Is that assessment normal, or is this particular 4.4 perhaps not as potent as it should be?

I couldn't discern any other significant differences between the Base and SE beyond the SE's leather and the sunroofs.

 

[Trynian]

There is only an 80 HP difference between the 2 engines with the v-8 being heavier the net HP by my calcs is about 50 HP.

The V-8 does have a better top end speed for freeway cruising but the 6 gets a little better gas MPG. Just a couple MPG but every bit helps I guess.

The 6 seems to have better low end torque.

The V-8 SE and the SE V-6 can have all the same options as I have seen base V-8 SE's with less then an SE V-6.

If the V-8 has better options such as the seats etc I would go that route as both engines are really solid. The V-6 is a little less on service needs.

Where are you from as I have not heard of a base model S version in the US other then demo models? But there are SE models that do not have leather seats.

 

[DennisC]

Where are you from as I have not heard of a base model S version in the US other then demo models? But there are SE models that do not have leather seats.

I'm in Arizona. I'm not expert on the models, but the "Base" V6, as I call it, had only the LR3 badge and few options...no leather, sunroof, etc. The V8 was badged as an SE.

 

[CMGRover]

V8....I don't see how a V6 gas engine in a nearly 6k vehicle can get better MPG. The V8 doesn't need to work as hard. Although if fuel economy is a concern, a Land Rover ain't your ride. Haha.

 

[DennisC]

Where are you from as I have not heard of a base model S version in the US other then demo models? But there are SE models that do not have leather seats.

I'm in Arizona. The V8 was badged as an SE, the V6 had only the LR3 badge thus I assumed it was a Base model.

 

[PhyrraM]

The V6 is basically a Ford Explorer motor with a bit of Land Rover tweaking. This really only comes into play if a full rebuild is ever needed. The V6 would likely be much less expensive than the V8.

EPA mileage is only 1MPG better for the V6, but if similar experience means anything in the Rover world, I would expect it to be a wash in the real world.

 

[Trynian]

I'm in Arizona. The V8 was badged as an SE, the V6 had only the LR3 badge thus I assumed it was a Base model.

Well could be, I have just never heard of one.

At any rate, both engines are solid, I would go for the better options.

 

[Disco Mike]

Which ever way you go consider buying one with the HD options so you get the locking t/case and rear locker along with a full size spare.

 

[DennisC]

Which ever way you go consider buying one with the HD options so you get the locking t/case and rear locker along with a full size spare.

Is there a code for the HD package in the VIN that I can look for?

 

[PhyrraM]

Is there a code for the HD package in the VIN that I can look for?

There is a way to tell from the VIN, but a "quick 'n dirty" way is to look for a full size spare tire on a matching alloy wheel. If you look over the rear tires when in "off road" height, you can also see an electrical connector on top of the diff.