Thread: 4WD vs SUV

Originally Posted by Horsecroft88

From my experience though if you are going to be doing proper 4WD please get a manual, not an auto.

The only advantages a manual has is that you can roll start them, providing you at the top of a hill or have 6 burly blokes to push you. The other is engine braking, not much will match a manual diesel in first gear low range, but the new range of 5 and 6 speed auto equiped 4wd's are pretty decent. In an auto you can safely change gears climbing steep hills, decending steep hills, while doing water crossings and sand driving. Check out all the 4X4 mags and have a look at what alot of the big boys use. While manuals being alot better than autos may have been true 20 years ago, it's not the case these days.

I drive a manual diesel 4X4 Hilux and my partner has a NM Pajero petrol 5 speed auto. We did a 4 month outback trip a few years ago to alot of remote places in my Hilux and I'd have no dramas in doing it again in my partners car.