4×4 Off Road
4×4 off road question by : Will a 1973 Toyota FJ 40 Landcruiser stock w/ mudder tires beat an X-Terra 2007 w/ off road package 4×4?
Landcruiser has 31″ tires
4x4ing?
4×4 off road best answer:
Answer by E-rock
Beat at what?
Edit:
There are many “types” of 4x4ing. In all types, the tires are the part that makes contact with the ground, and the vehicle is simply the platform that allow those tires to turn (or not turn) and remain in contact with the ground (or not).
The tire sizes are going to be roughly the same – the Xterra came with 32s. Not enough difference to even discuss in my opinion. But the tread could be a huge difference. Without know which tires are on the Xterra, it’s hard to really judge much based on that.
The Xterra will have more power and a much wider useable powerband. On 31″ tires, the FJ will still have plenty of power for most things, but the motor falls flat above 3500rpm.
The Xterra has a longer wheelbase than the FJ. Short is more nimble on tight trails and helps with breakover angle, but longer is generally better (more stable) for climbing and descending.
The solid axles and leaf springs on the FJ are dead reliable, but they ride like crap at any kind of speed. The solid front axle improves articulation, keeping tires on the ground where the IFS Xterra would be more likely to lift a tire.
The FJ has open differentials in both axles, while the Xterra has a a selectable rear locker.
Then we have the driver issue. An experienced offroad driver would take either one and mop the floor with an inexperienced driver, regardless of vehicle.
Removing the driver variability (and not accounting for tire tread patterns), the answer to your question really depends on the terrain. For deep mud, the tires matter more than anything. For steep climbs and descents, the wheelbase and locker (and modern brakes) on the Xterra would be a huge asset. For rocks, solid front axle on the FJ is a good thing (although the Xterra’s rear locker helps it a lot as well). For running the Baja, the Xterra wins hands down.
I’d always take the FJ though, just because it’s cooler.
