I will throw in my .02
I have had both D1 and D2 of all years and probably 100 of them (I am sitting on 8 right now) the D2 is more refined all around. its little stuff but a lot of it when you add it all up. smoother ride, more electronics, nicer seats... just much more refined car. Dont get caught up on gettign a 2003-2004, 99-2002 are great especially of you can get one for a good price. the 2003 and 2004 are even more refined and even better, it was little things that did this and they do have the 4.6 with 40 more HP. D2 is a much quieter drivetrain adding cardboard in the drivelines and the rubber donut on the rear driveshaft... all just refinements.
Now personally im a simplicity guy. I would pick the 1996 D1 any day of the week over and over and over. The D1 is a very mechanical car, simple in many respects. The best and simplest was the 1996 D1. They started adding emisions stuff in 97 and changed the efi relay setup. The fuel pump added evaps into it, none of this was world changing but added a little complexity to the fuel system. Another personal preference is the R380, I have 2 D1s and both are r380 swapped manual transmissions. I like that the D1 is a non electronic transmission for this reason. Easy swap. The d2 is 4hp22e and 4hp24e transmission with electronic controls and tcm. Again i like simple and like the Manual valve body automatic transmission better, although 2003-2004 got the stronger 4hp24. Another thing i like on the D1 is the rear factory 4 link suspension and the front radius rod mounting. There are big advantages to the D1 suspension when building that you cant do or are limitations with the D2. Its all little things but it all adds up and when building a disco you have to think about these things.
So thats my .02 for me the D1 wins every time but for many the D2 is a better pick. All of them are great cars and there is no other car built like a Disco.
I have had both D1 and D2 of all years and probably 100 of them (I am sitting on 8 right now) the D2 is more refined all around. its little stuff but a lot of it when you add it all up. smoother ride, more electronics, nicer seats... just much more refined car. Dont get caught up on gettign a 2003-2004, 99-2002 are great especially of you can get one for a good price. the 2003 and 2004 are even more refined and even better, it was little things that did this and they do have the 4.6 with 40 more HP. D2 is a much quieter drivetrain adding cardboard in the drivelines and the rubber donut on the rear driveshaft... all just refinements.
Now personally im a simplicity guy. I would pick the 1996 D1 any day of the week over and over and over. The D1 is a very mechanical car, simple in many respects. The best and simplest was the 1996 D1. They started adding emisions stuff in 97 and changed the efi relay setup. The fuel pump added evaps into it, none of this was world changing but added a little complexity to the fuel system. Another personal preference is the R380, I have 2 D1s and both are r380 swapped manual transmissions. I like that the D1 is a non electronic transmission for this reason. Easy swap. The d2 is 4hp22e and 4hp24e transmission with electronic controls and tcm. Again i like simple and like the Manual valve body automatic transmission better, although 2003-2004 got the stronger 4hp24. Another thing i like on the D1 is the rear factory 4 link suspension and the front radius rod mounting. There are big advantages to the D1 suspension when building that you cant do or are limitations with the D2. Its all little things but it all adds up and when building a disco you have to think about these things.
So thats my .02 for me the D1 wins every time but for many the D2 is a better pick. All of them are great cars and there is no other car built like a Disco.
my locked and loaded, stick 92’ YJ for the fun stuff.