Whats the best Frontera engine/model for off-roading?

[millenaire]

What would you say is the best model Frontera for proper off-roading,
SWB or LWB?
Petrol or diesel? A or B series?

My head says the more Horsepower the better but perhaps the torque of the diesel wins,
I imagine SWB is better for clearing the tops of hills
But as I say what do you think?
P.S. im also considering a vehicross.

[Big Dav]

As you mention, diesel engine for the low-end grunt, swb body for the manouverability and better ramp-over angle.
Thats my thoughts anyway.

[James Bass]

I agree with Big Dav. The 2.8 would be the best engine, as no electronics. Thus (in theory) with a snorkel fitted, you could run the engine under water.

[Drift]

I prefer the LWB for off roading but its horses for courses, since its lifted Ive never had a problem with the break over angle and it cross axles less than my old shorty, that said the LWB is interesting in woodland and does collect a few more dents.
The 2.8 IMHO would be the best off road in the Fronty range simply as mentioned above, other than that the old 20L is a good old simple toughy and Ive seen a 2.3 swim deeper than it ever should have been

[Trugga]

You say "off roading", which is quite a generalisation.

What type of off roading do you have in mind ?

Green laning
Pay & Playing
Competition
Work related activity
Recrational activity

are just three variations.

Personally I have found a 2.8TDi LWB to be excellent when green laning, but I much prefer a SWB (in my case a 2.0i) for competition. As for Pay & Play, just take along what you have and enjoy it. I also preferred the LWB as a load lugger when participating in other revrational off road activites (motorsport radio marshalling).

Lawrence

[Hound Dog]

I would agree with drifty it's horses for courses I have driven both lwb and swb 2.8 and I personally think the lwb is a better climber.

[jammywagonwheel]

Mine!! its fab!! its a 2.0 SWB leafer.. dead easy to fix, not enough power to get you into too much trouble but enough to get you out.. bulletproof non interference 8v engine.. agricultural suspension..

But.. and theres always a but..
a 2.8 SWB is a dream come true for many.. tons of torque, agile blah blah but rare, but a diesel is a better option than petrol (In my opinion).

and LWB's are better climbers - and more comfy - and more stable - and more practical - and more doors, and easier / cheaper to find etc

But LWB's?? you cant take the back off when the sun comes out

[jontera]

I agree with the above post..

even though mines on coils..and yes we would all have a 2.8 if we were honest..bullet/idiot proof engine!
only problem with the shortie, is the lack of rear boot space and it's a right pain in the backside if you've got kids.

[Nottingham]

Well, that could become a never ending story but in the end it's down to what you really want to do with it. If it's just the occasional trip out, then any of the fronties will really do.

The rest is mostly down to your own liking, budget, luck of geting one at the right time at the right place for the right money.

2.8 Diesel are great and certainly on top of the list - but not available in a B-Series.

2.2 Diesel are not bad either, nor are any of the petrol engines. There are plenty of 2.0 SWB around, who do just fine. I've currently a 2.2 petrol and it does most things than others. In fact, i find it relatively easy to work on the Petrol Engine, as there is usually more space in the engine bay than with a Diesel.

LWB is more comfy - SWB a bit more agile.

As above, it all comes down to your own likings & spendings. Might be agood idea to pop around to the annual meet - there will be plenty of different models & mods to view, great people to talk to and lots of fun

That should give you a good idea

[Roo]

As they say, its all down to personal Choice ..
For me its the SWB 2L Sport fronty all the way , as she does what I need, as My Children have grown up I don't need the space
Good Luck in your choice
Cheers
Roo

[Big Dav]

Space is a big problem with the swb, also rear seat accessibility although once you are in the seat you aren't cramped.
As for the "boot space", thats it - boot space, a pair for each occupant.

[jontera]

I think this tread can be locked now..

70% of the posts are from 2.0 swb owners that say they have the best off-roader

just 20% say 2.8 lwb

and Nottingham with his 2.2..

only joking..get a try in as many models as you can (oh that sounded wrong, but so right) and give them a try..really it depends what you are really looking for, every one has their advantages / disadvantages..try and get to one of the meets and chat to some owners, maybe if your lucky get a drive or a ride in one..

but i'll just say this

[millenaire]

Thanks for all the input folks, I already have a 2.2dti lwb b-series that i use as my everyday hack, but its a minter and don't want to wreck it. I want something for a bit of pay and play and competition that i dont mind being rough with.
I have taken a couple of days instruction in specialist centres and loved it.

I have seen some nice a-series from 600-900 quid on gumtree lately and am just sussing out the best model from the more experienced and knowledgable on this forum.

incidentally there is a 2.5diesel lwb a series for sale near me at the moment, whats the general opinion on these.

[snapper]

For what it's worth I've got a 2.8 lwb which does around 500 miles a week and ticks all the boxes for me, in fact it does it so well I want another to use as a weekend toy.

So my vote goes to the 2.8

[harrisp]

Ive got a swb 2l but reckon would a 2.8 swb would be the best offroad.

[maxlee]

i have both

2L swb

and 2.8td swb

or tho the 2.8 is better with more grunt etc

the 2L one is easyer to get bits for easyer to fix if it ever goes wrong gets broken sort of thing you can brake it on a sunday and have it fixed by the monday