Disco I vs. Disco II

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Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Michael K. on Saturday, June 02, 2001 - 04:06 pm: Edit

I've been toying with the idea of trading in my 97 Disco for a new 2001 Disco II, mostly for the additional room, but also because I have heard it's a heck of lot better vehicle than the Series I. I have been searching the web for input on which of the two is a better vehicle in the long run, especially off-road. I don't do extreme off-roading, but enough of it that the rear overhang of the II, along with the lack of a center locking diff, has been concerning me. Being in CA, I definitely get enough freeway miles also. Is the traction control, as well as the overall 4WD that good? I have already opted not to do the ACE or the SLS, mostly to try and keep the car simple and upgradeable. Does anyone have experience with the II vs. the I both on and off-road. Any input would be appreciated.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By deep throat on Sunday, June 03, 2001 - 10:09 am: Edit

Hi, I drive both (as well as Defs, RRs and Freelanders) on a daily basis. I own a 97 Disco. As far as off road capability, the DI is way over the DII period. The lack of Center Diff lock IS a major problem when off roading. Yes traction control will try to help, but we have found that the DII has problems on trails that the DI (and RR) easily walks thr. Having said that, we routinely take DIIs over some of the toughtest trails in the US and overseas, so it is definitely capable, just not as capable as a DII. Now if you can add a center diff lock (and make the necessary changes to the software) then the DII is better than the DI. As far as ACE, it IS an advantage for off roading since it gives you more wheel travel.

Hope this helps,
Deep Throat (Cause of my work, and cause you never now who is listening, I rather not give my name).

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By chrisvonc on Sunday, June 03, 2001 - 10:42 am: Edit

I have owned and wheeled both models. My preferences for off road would be a Series I disco. For onroad, the Series II hands down. Ours did not have the ACE or SLS either and we didn't miss it nor feel the need for those options.
One of my biggest problems with our D2 was how uncomfortable I was sitting in it. The seat and steering wheel just would not adjust far enough to a position that felt comfy. I have however driven a 01 D2 and they change those problems from our 99 model.

good luck.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By david b. on Sunday, June 03, 2001 - 10:58 am: Edit

I agree that the Disco 2 is A LOT better then the Disco1 on-road, but off-road there is no comparison. The Disco 2's long rear overhang really gets in your way. Also the traction control acts too late to really do anything but keep those wheels spinning helplessly. ARB makes front and rear lockers and some British company(I forgot the name) makes a center locking diff for it. I believe that Rovertym is currently working on a lift for the Disco 2, that should help your overhang problem. With a couple thousand bucks you can make it really good. If you have a family then I would go with a Disco 2, if you want a rugged trail machine, then buy like a 97-98 Disco 1.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Michael K. on Sunday, June 03, 2001 - 12:38 pm: Edit

Thanks for the input so far. I like the idea of a center locking diff, and I would think someone is working on whether or not the electronics behind the ETC need to be worked on so that it works front and rear axles idependently, should the center be locked. If that can be accomplished perhaps it would be a better vehicle than a Disco1. I already figured I would handle the rear overhang with a 1.5-2" lift, but even the hitch set-up is worse than my 97. I don't know how to deal with that yet. I guess the question is whether or not the 2 is worth the purchase price, plus the add-ons to make it perform the way I want off-road (which is at least as good as my "1"). Thanks for the continued input. Keep 'em coming!

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Greg Davis on Tuesday, June 05, 2001 - 01:49 pm: Edit

Michael, as an owner of a DSII, I can tell you that I love it. But then again, 98 percent of my time is on-road. As far as the hitch problem, take a look at the rear bumpers that I make. If you're not afraid to trim your quarters, you can solve that problem by using one of my bumpers with the hitch built in.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Greg Davis on Tuesday, June 05, 2001 - 01:55 pm: Edit

Michael, I just realized that you can't really see my hitch in thoses pics. If you're interested, e-mail me and I can send you some better shots.

Top of pagePrevious messageNext messageBottom of pageLink to this message   By Michael K. on Tuesday, June 05, 2001 - 05:01 pm: Edit

Thanks to all of you for your information. It has truly been helpful and fun. Wanted to let you know I just bought a new II, which should be here in a few days. I'll be consulting you guys again on modifications as I need them.

Take Care & Thanks!!


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