Petrol v diesel and off roading

[Pubbloke]

I hope this hasn't been asked too many times before but what are peoples views on the petrol engine versus diesel for off road use.

I am looking at 2.2 petrol versus 3.2 petrol v 2.2 diesel

The vehicle will also be my everyday car but I only live 2 miles from where I work so fuel costs are not important, I see petrol as a better advantage because I am not sure diesel is good for short 5 minute trips but am not sure if for the off road I would always think I should have got a diesel.

The off roading will only be pay and play and some green laning maybee 10-15 times a year.

I realise this will be subjective for most people but would just like to get the views of people whop have these cars
Thanks
Matthew

[James Bass]

Diesels offer better low down torque, which is much better for off-roading. I agree thought a petrol would be better for the short on-road trip you have to work, as carbon is likely to build up on a diesel. If I had the chance...and the money, then I'd be driving a 3.2V6 auto! But that's just me.

[Drift]

Going down a steep hill in low first with a petrol is frightening to me now after having the 2.8, derv all the way for me

[horses45]

i have to admit i would like a swb diesel for the new tonka as the petrols fun but i still prefer diesel

[Retro Pedro]

You could run a vote on this one
My vote goes for diesel - another factor: no worrying about ignition/spark electrics getting wet/damp

[BadBoy]

Gotta be Diesel.

I've had the 2.0 petrol sport, and now I have the 2.8TDI and I'd never go go back to Petrol. Especially as I do off road it.
I agree that petrol has to be the way forward if your using it for work, but personally if I only worked 2 miles from home I wouldn't drive anyway (unless it was real bad weather) any I'd get a diesel (and a push bike for work )

[MG Autos (Mark)]

Deisel's are great but from a strictly "fun" aspect, I'd go with the 3.2V6 Petrol. Personally I think it will always put a smile on your face every time you drive it , but why not see if you can get a test drive in both a Deisel 2.2 & a 3.2?
I think you might be suprised by the differance in power

[Drift]

Yr but off road though is another story

[Pubbloke]

Thank you all for replying so quickly.

You have kind of confirmed what I thought and you are certainly helping me narrow down what I want.

Why does there have to be so many diffrent models of the same car with saloon cars it was really simple the bigger engine the better and diesel was only for company car drivers .

[Road Hog]

Go Dti you know it makes sense I cannot comment on the pay & destroy side of things but for greenlanes they are fine & good for long journeys on tarmac as well,depending on your wants/needs there is also 2.5 TDS (not quite so many electronics) or the old faithful & near on indistructable Tractor (sorry 2.8 Tdi) no electronics at all.
If you go Dti route then be aware with the automatic transmission models it is not the strongest box on the planet

[andysd1]

well i have had the 2L petrol, then the 2.3D then the 2.8D swb, then the 2.8 lwb, now i have the 3.2v6, would go back to the 2.8 at the drop of a hat, but must admit and its costing a bit in fuel but i dont care, i love the v6, the take of and power is fantastic, it does seam to want to race when of-roading, but i have fell in love with it all over again,

[SnortonR]

I understand that short trips in a petrol are bad for the cat - it doesn't reach temperature.

[nitromotor]

Have you considered cycling to work, then you can have the best of both worlds.
Short 5 minute journeys are not go for cars, the water builds up not only in the exhaust but in the engine too. Increased frequency of oil and filter changers would be highly recommended.

[adyclemo]

I have the 2.8TD and live about 3 miles from work. Although i havent had any problems yet i have started to cycle to work. I find it takes the same lenght of time on bike as it does in the car (about 15mins). I would opt for a diesel for off roading any day as they dont mind water as much as a petrol does and the 2.8 has virtually no electrics what so ever with the 2.5td with a little bit more electrics.

Short journeys kill fuel economy 8 miles round trip for the other half to get to and from work and 6 miles round trip for me to get and from work and i will visit the parents once or twice a week 30 miles round trip with the odd trip to asda etc covering about 200 miles a week and costing around £40 - £50 a week in fuel.

I personally would go with a diesel and cycle to work.