Let me compare my Landcruiser 80 series 4.2 diesel auto of 1993 vintage, and my newish D-Max pickup 3 litre CRD auto.
LC average - 27mpg
Dmax - 30mpg
LC nice long steady run - 30mpg
Dmax nice long steady run 31mpg
LC towing 3 tons- 24mpg
Dmax towing 3 tons 25mpg
Same power
LC has more torque and lower down.
Both auto
LC 1/2ton heavier
LC has worse aerodynamics
LC has done 220K miles, so isn't exactly in the prime of life.
So taking everything into account, the fuel economy hasn't really improved any. But there are many advantages to owning the more modern (Dmax) vehicle:-
The 4 cylinder engine sounds like a bag of nails
There's a million electronic engine bits to go wrong
High pressure pumps and injectors are ultra reliable, and cheap to fix if they go wrong
It doesn't tow anywhere near as well
It doesn't have a proper solid front axle
No front or rear difflocks
Less axle articulation
(Of course I'm being sarcastic)
All I can think is, what would something like a Dmax be like with a big proper old-school straight six engine in it? I bet it would do more mpg, that's for sure. The only downside is a bit more smoke.
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