Discovery 1 or Discovery 2

[FlyboyRE]

I am very interested in buying a discovery. Im looking for one with low miles and in good condition. I like to do quite a bit of off roading and would probly put at least 31x10.5 tires on it and maby a small lift. I was wondering what would be a better vehicle for my needs, a late model d1 or an early d2. I work on my cars myself, so that im mind i was also wondering which one im going to have the least amount of problems with. Thanks!!

 

[joey]

This is a hard one to answer... you have those who prefer the D1 for off road, more basic - less electronics.

The you have those who prefer the D2... Smoother ride on the highway, electronics can make it nice i.e. Traction Control.

D1 can be easier to work on for the average person

D2 can fit larger tires i.e. 31-10.50 without triming.

D1 is shorter

Same engine, unless you get into a fairly new D2.

I would say it it more about what you want and which one you like.

 

[discomike]

To start with, drive them both, there is a difference in how they handle.
D1's had alot of Lucas electronics, which many don't prefer.
I like the extra room inside the storage area of the D2.
Even the older D2's, like my 99 have alittle more power then a D1, mainly because of the Bosh system and newer intake manifold.
It is a personal choice, of the road a D1 and a D2 are equals, the D2 is just more comfortable with a little more wheel base, 100"s.
Mike J.
99 DII

 

[FlyboyRE]

I was wondering where i could find all of the measurments on both, i was also wondering if suspension, ie, travel, articulation were about the same on both or if one is better than the other. Im probly leaning more towards a 2 right now, from i can get one with a little lower miles and a little nicer. I was also wonering how the 5 speed manuals held up and if the were worth getting. I have only seen them in d1s and was wondering if they ever made any d2s with them. And i was also wondering if the automatics can take quite a bit of abuse or if they have any problems. And also i was wondering if there are any diesel modles of either discovery in the US. Thats alot to handle, but thanks

 

[discomike]

The DII has a 100" wheel base, the Defender has a 90" and I think the D1 is 92" or 94", can't remember for sure.
The articulation on both the D1 and Dii are nearly the same with one exception, the DII with SLS has slightly more articulation. The 5 speed held up pretty well, good luck finding one in a DII. The automatic holds up well of the road as long as you do frequest, every 20,000 miles, service and go with the better fluids, synthetic sure prolongs any maintance. There have been a few diesels brought into the states, they were never sold new here. I have seen a couple over the years that people either converted or imported.
I drive a 99 DII and use it alot of the road, I don't think you would be unhappy with one. By the way, my DII will give most D90's a serious run for the money when it counts off the road.
Good luck with your search,
Mike J.

 

[Moose]

D1, per the Workshop Manual, is a 2540mm wheelbase, which converts to 100 inches. I thought the extra overall length of the D2 was solely in the "boot."