Jimny vs. Defender Off road - which is best?

A point to mention is the difference in gear ratios. This info. is based on the Gen.4 but in low range the manual has an o/a ratio of 36.23 with the auto coming in at 32.68. This would give greater control both up and down hills.

Roger

Noticeable, in this scenario has got to be helpful and anything that is helpful should be gratefully accepted.

Roger

Well, l've got a Defender TD5 and a Gen 4 Jimny and they are both great off road.

Both have their strengths, the Jimny actually has more tech, my Defender hasn't got the traction control.

Both vehicles have proven their worth, the Jimny only falling down because you have to keep disengaging the 4wd when on solid surfaces.

l see the Gen 4 Jimny as a worthy successor to the original Defender, and a half priced alternative to
the new one.

I personally think they are very similar in performance off road, in a "green field" situation. By this I mean a location that's not been carved up by increasing vehicle clearance, it's then predominantly a battle between tyre size and ground clearance. In standard trim, in this world, the larger Land Rover will always have the advantage over the smaller Jimny.
In a "green field" situation they are much the same, one slightly better than the other in certain situations. I don't see disengaging 4x4 between surface's as an issue in the Jimny, it's a button press, and no different to my Series 2 Land Rover. The land rover also has the edge in low box, the Jimny is slightly too quick for some situations, but it's not a big issue, particularly if you favour "full speed ahead" obstacle navigation 

Give anyone the choice, and anyone in this context is some one acquainted with steep down hill sections, and they will pick lower gearing because it gives them better control. and that means lower speed. Hill decent control is for people who don't understand that and HDC cant look ahead and read the track. That's a job for the driver. Suitable gearing gives better control right from the start with less need for use of the brakes.

Roger

If your auto is so good as it is, why are you so interested in a 5.4 ratio transfer box? After all, according to your statistics, you don't need them.

Roger

I also remember that you required of us a reminder that you promised not to modify your Jimny.

Roger