Freelander vs. Nissan Pathfinder

[LR123]

My friend and I are having a friendly debate/contest about which is better off-road. What are some of the things I have the advantage on?

[rmuller]

Whichever has the better driver behind the wheel.

[LR123]

If that's the case, then I'd say I win. But I need some other specs...

[keptin]

if the pathfinder has a low range, then I say the pathfinder. Seems to be the freelanders biggest hang up. Past that, its the driver.....have you guys ever gone out together to off-road? I mean, you could just find out for yourself.

[01001010]

I've wheeled with a Freelander before and what I really liked about it was the power-to-weight ratio. It's very nimble. Then again, my buddy has had it, and wheeled it since he bought it back in 03' so he knows it quite well.

[Choqiees]

you can throw out the different specs out there between the two but in the end...it's always the driver

true story

[DevilDisco]

Taking the driver out of the equation...Which is what I assume you are looking for. The Pathfinder puts up a pretty good fight. The first time I saw a Disco and classic in action I was in a '97 Pathfinder. We were all out wheeling in Uwharrie National Forest, in TN.
It was an all Nissan Trip and then we met up with a Lifted and Gifted RRC and a DI alos lifted and gifted. I think they were out of Raliegh, NC, part of CROC.
if you are taliking about the old school boxy Pathfinders (80's style), they were the preferred choice because of solid axels front and rear, and the ability to have both body and suspension lift, they also had a low range box. It made it really easy to fit 33's under those, upping ground clearance and its ability, the 3.0l engine was adequate.
The 96's to '04 were called R50's. That model went to IFS but still retained the low range. The IFS was the biggest negative on the R50 just because no one was used to seeing IFS out on the trail. The only lift available about 3 years ago was a 2" suspension lift, just lately there have been fabrications to gain upto 6" of Suspension lift. Because of the construction of the R50 it cannot have a body lift. They were still very capable. I would know. On the trip we went on there were only 2 R50's and we were definitely able to hang with the X-Terras, Hard body Picukps and old Gen Pathfinder, Clearance and flex being the tow major concerns. Picking the right lines was defintely key.
If any one is familar with Kodack rock in Uwharrie, lets just say the R50 found a line.
It is hard to say I always thought he Frelander was more inline with the X-Terra which is a highly capable vehicle as well. I think the pathfinder is a little bigger than the Freelander and where it has the upper hand is with the Low Range transfer case. That really transforms the Pathfinder, it just makes it feel like there is a lot more power on tap on the trail than one could use, because of the short pedal travel you need to get into the Pathfinders power band.
Stock with no after market goodies and a good set of tires I would have to go with the Pathfinder. The ability to make the Pathfinder into a more serious off-roader is also a little better than the Freelander. Just about any thing you could put on a dicovery you can put on a Pathfinder. Sliders, Winch, lockers, Heavy Duty Bumpers. The aftermarket support is not great but better than the Freelander.
Power is not hard to find either. The Engine in the Pathfinder is the same one used in the 350Z but most Pathfinders get by with an aftermarket exhaust, filters, the usual.
The weakest part on the Pathfinder is the Tie Rods, very easy to bend or break, but there are aftermarket beefier replacements.

I love Nissan but they are not Land Rovers. Currently Have both. 04 Disco. 03 Pathfinder( it was supposed to be my Disco Substitue but you can't substitue anything for a Disco.)

Oh an if you as a Nissan guy abou the Freelande they might ask you if that isn't like a CRV. Don't get mad they just don't know.

Check out these links. They might help you with your argument.


R50's in action.
http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/...ecea8358365dbd

1st Gen Pathfinders
http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/...ecea8358365dbd

Hard Body Nissans
http://www.4x4parts.com/public_html/...ecea8358365dbd

http://www.4x4parts.com/ubbthreads/p...t=0&Board=UBB6

[LR123]

The 2nd and 3rd pics from the first link are my friend's pathfinder. I don't know why he had to take a picture. You can see the front of my Freelander in the 3rd pic. I killed him that day because he doesn't even have 4wd but still tries to talk sh*t.

[FelixLockhart]

My mom had a '97 Pathfinder, and while it was an ok off-roader, I wouldn't take it over a Disco. It does have low-range on the T-case, but the ground clearance leaves much to be desired. Also, the suspension on it was so stiff that it just about rattled my teeth out out the trail. Every bump, rock, and tree limb went straight into the cabin.

I've never actually wheeled a Freelander, but if I was stuck with the choice, I'd still take the LR over the Nissan. Just a personal choice, I've never been a huge fan of Nissans, and I'm only mildly happy with my Honda.

[DevilDisco]

Originally Posted by LR123

The 2nd and 3rd pics from the first link are my friend's pathfinder. I don't know why he had to take a picture. You can see the front of my Freelander in the 3rd pic. I killed him that day because he doesn't even have 4wd but still tries to talk sh*t.

That's just wrong. It like going ice skating with loafters, instead of skates. I admire your frineds spirit, but I would not ventrue far off-road in a 2 wheel drive anything.

Its not fair to compare the Pathfinder to the Disco, it is closer to a Freelander.

[KevinNY]

No lo range and the fact that a 12" rock stops a freebie dead in the trail give ALL the advatage to the Nissan. I know people love them but I've never seen anything I would call a "trail" that one could drive.