There was a variety of vehicles crossing the Simpson Desert with The Doc including a Toyota Landcruiser 100 series, Landcruiser 200 series (a brand-new diesel V8), Land Rover Defender, 2 Toyota Prados, Mitsubishi Challenger, Nissan Navarra, Toyota Hilux and The Doc’s Nissan Patrol.
Early on in the trip one of the Prado owners was telling someone how his Prado was better than The Doc’s Patrol. The Doc enjoyed recovering that Prado two days later when it got bogged. In fact, both recoveries were by Nissans on Toyota Prados. Prados may have the LandCruiser name, but they certainly not LandCruisers. The Doc is glad he never bought a Prado. They may handle better on road than a Patrol, but they’re certainly not better off road. They are a long way behind the LandCrusier, Defender and Patrol.
In the steeper dunes and rougher parts of the desert, the leafspring suspension of the Nission Navarra and the Toyota Hilux meant they were struggling.
The Doc thought the performance of the LandCruisers (not Prados), the Land Rover and the Patrol were very good. Although the LandCrusier 100 V8 Petrol used a lot of fuel. The 200 series V8 Diesel used just a little more than the Patrol – impressive. But they cost a great deal more money than a Patrol, so they should impress.
The Challenger was well driven and did a reasonable job, but it is a bit small for the The Doc’s needs.
Do you have any 4wd action pics; like the rescues etc?
Interested in your comments concerning comparative performance; I have always harboured an interest in the Defender.
No, but it was videoed at least near the end, so I will get that when it is ready. My 4×4 Mechanic knows Defenders inside out if you need advice.