This is my first post on here, i have been looking to buy a FL2 it has to be an auto. I have been reading posts on here and trying to learn a little about them. i know the SD4 is a bit more powerful than the TD4 but which is the most reliable or are they both about the same. I will be using it to tow a caravan and general running about i expect to cover around 8000 miles per year, any advise on best choice would be appreciated
Thanyou in advance
Richard

No real difference in reliability or mpg between the td4 and sd4 auto. Most in here will agree (I think) that the superior torque curve of the sd4 is a benefit when towing or offroading.

You're also likely to find higher spec models with the sd4 auto engine over the td4 engine, as most auto HSE buyers from new seemed (understandably) to want the sd4.

Last edited by Mattmjones on 25th Jan 2021 2:37 pm. Edited 1 time in total

I agree with above.

I have had 2 SD4 FL2s over nearly 9 years and 100k+ miles.

The SD4 Autos are very nice to drive and it suits the FL2.

Find a nice tidy late SD4, from a reputable source with some form of warranty. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)

Ive had several manual TD4s and currently have a SD4. The SD4 is the better of the two; more grunt & nice auto.

Dont't rely on JLR servicing schedule to keep it tip top. It needs more frequent lubrication servicing IMO. Jules

Both SD4 & TD4 have 420Nm of torque, it's the BHP that differs 190/150.

So if they both have the same max torque and as BHP and torque are related (BHP = Torque X RPM / 5252) then to achieve a higher max BHP with the same max torque the SD4 must be able to maintain a higher torque at the upper rpm range as it doesn't rev any higher than the TD4. So the grunt must be available over a wider RPM range.

I wonder if anyone has the BHP /torque curves of these engines for comparison ? Jules

Found them . You can see the difference in the torque curves.

TD4





SD4

 Jules

Interesting it was always considered that diesels had "flat" low end torque curves compared to "peaky" petrol engines but modern turbo petrol engines are quite amazing.

Look at the torque curve of this Fiesta ST - flat max torque between 1500 and 4500 rpm ! Ok the torque is a lot less but its only 1500cc and 3 cylinders.

 Jules

I tow this with an Sd4




Its pretty impressive.  Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Thankyou to all who responded, i think it will have to be SD4 for me then.
your outfit looks fabulous Bob thankyou so much for sharing.

Now i know the car i want i will need to update the caravan too, i was considering a lighter weight twin axle maybe a Sprite Quattro or Lunar Lexon 640 i think the FL2 will be perfect with this combo. i have many years towing experience but never with a twin axle. Someone told me this week that the twins are not so comfortable to tow on rough or worn out road surfaces, i dont know if this is true or maybe just certain combinations. All views on this would be appreciated.

I've never found our twin axle to be anything but stable. Ours has atc which presumably helps stability. Its a big old lump to manoeuvre when un hitched though. We have a set of motor movers on the front axle and would struggle to get it onto pitches that have tight access without them. The extra space inside is a bonus. Landrover - turning owners into mechanics since 1948

2014 Orkney grey Freelander SD4 GS.
2004 Zambezi silver Discovery 2 Td5 (Gone)
1963 Surf blue Morris Mini Minor Super de Luxe (my little toy)

Very interesting.
Up to 2000 rpm both power/torque outputs are identical, in fact both engines hit 150 PS at about 2500 rpm. This seems to confirm that the power difference is largely artificial by programming.
The SD4 has by far the most (organic?) natural curve to it's power output.

jules wrote:

Found them . You can see the difference in the torque curves.

TD4





SD4

jules wrote:

Found them . You can see the difference in the torque curves.

TD4





SD4

I found them with a google search on

https://www.automobile-catalog.com/

Lots of performance data for a variety of cars Jules

That is some rig, Bob. I’m not a caravan person myself but that is very impressive.