Well, won’t this open up a can of worms! The age-old debate, the highly disputed internet argument that usually sees one side or the other up in arms. I’m of course talking about new school 4x4s VS old school 4x4s.
Now, I’ll start things off by saying, I’m an old school 4×4 lover through and through. Although that probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone. I’ve had nothing but 80s and 90s model 4x4s including 60 Series Landcruisers, GU Patrols, 80 Series Landcruisers and I even dabbled in a GQ comp truck momentarily. There’s something raw and mechanically pure about old 4x4s that keeps drawing me back.
But today we’re going to have a look at which is better for you.
Old school 4x4s
Characterised by their ruggedness, old school 4x4s have a special place in most people’s hearts. They are often associated with the image of a tough, dependable vehicle that can handle the roughest Aussie terrain and harshest outback conditions. A lot of people in Australia also grew up in what I would call ‘the prime’ of 4x4s. This is when older generation Landcruisers, Patrols and Jeeps were absolutely everywhere in Australia. The nostalgia is almost overwhelming just writing about it.
What we love about old school 4x4s
One of the main pros of old school 4x4s is their durability. These vehicles were built to last and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. Parts are available all over the country too, whether it’s in wrecking yards or old school workshops. They are also known for their off-road capabilities. After all, they were designed to handle rough terrain and difficult driving conditions. Components such as a strong chassis, solid axles front and rear, manual transmissions and simplistic engines meant they were practically bulletproof.
Although not as comfortable as modern-day vehicles, they got the job done in all sorts of terrain. Additionally, old school 4x4s often have a more rugged and classic design, which some people (me) find appealing. I mean, a boxy, wide and staunch wagon is hard to beat when it comes to design influence!
Modifying older 4×4’s can be a lot more simple and a lot more affordable than modern cars too. There’s no real need to worry about airbags, sensors, or anything of the sort. Plus, typically older 4×4 modifications are a little cheaper as the R&D was done years ago. The bits are readily available as the cars have been on the market for decades!
What could be better on old school 4x4s
On the other hand, old-school 4x4s do have some drawbacks, although I don’t like admitting it. One of the main downsides is their fuel efficiency for an overall lack of power. These vehicles were not designed with fuel economy in mind, and therefore tend to be quite thirsty. What adds insult to injury is the fact that they can happily drink 15-20L/100km and still only have under 100 horsepower. Embarrassing!
Then there’s the obvious lack of features, lack of comfort, and lack of safety. Older 4x4s don’t have traction control, ABS, climate control or power windows. Some don’t even have power steering and they can be pretty bloody primitive! The components can be worn out, the leaf springs can be harsh and the overall ride can be harsher than a modern car.
There is, however, one final elephant in the room, a lack of airbags. Which if you’re packing a family into the vehicle, can be a bit of a deal breaker. Whilst these do all seem like a bit of a headache, the nostalgia and character associated with driving an older rig outweighs it all in my opinion.
New school 4x4s
Now, onto the fancy modern gizmos that are modern 4x4s! Modern fourbies from the 2000s or newer are basically supercomputers that are comfortable and very capable out of the box. These vehicles are characterized by their advanced technology, phenomenal efficiency, comfort, practicality and everything in between. They’re luxurious, they’re sleek, but most importantly, they can still get the job done off-road.
What we love about new school 4x4s
One of the main pros of modern 4x4s is their advanced technology. These vehicles are equipped with a wide range of features and technologies, such as advanced navigation systems, entertainment systems, and safety features. The technology is becoming so advanced in fact, that they’ll nearly drive themselves.
A lot of modern dual cabs have lane guidance and crash avoidance for when you’re getting to the tracks, and then when you get to the tracks, you can put them into the specific crawl mode you desire and the car’s computer will pretty much drive up whatever you point the 4×4 at. Things like active crawl control, offroad cruise control, downhill decent and everything else you can picture are all modern-day additions that really set modern 4x4s apart from the old-school rigs I’m used to.
Something that we don’t really need to mention is how they also tend to be more fuel efficient than their old school counterparts. Modern-day common-rail turbo diesel engines are engineered to produce maximum torque whilst using as little fuel as possible. Often seeing cruising numbers as low as 6-8L / 100km which is incredible for touring around Australia.
What could be better about new school 4x4s
Now, you’re probably at this point wondering why anyone would choose an older 4×4 over a new one. The modern ones are more reliable, more comfortable and more tech-heavy. But what about the initial investment in the car? You can still to this day pick up an old Landcruiser or Patrol for $10,000 – $30,000 and have it be in bloody good condition. It may even have some modifications already done to it! On the flip side, to purchase a new model Landcruiser, whether it’s a 79 or a 300 Series, you’re staring down the barrel of a $100,000 – $150,000 investment. Plus, then you’ve got to budget tens of thousands extra to modify it.
The other thing worth considering is how modern 4x4s are made to be more comfortable. The easiest way to put this is by making them less ‘truck like’ and swapping out solid axle front ends with independent front suspension systems. Whilst it provides vastly superior comfort and turning capabilities, it opens up the vehicle to breaking more components such as the dreaded CV.
The verdict?
When it comes to old school vs new school, it’s so subjective that there really isn’t a right or wrong answer. If you love character and nostalgia and a true raw mechanical connection to your 4×4, then old school is what you want. If you’re looking for a comfortable, reliable and modern vehicle that can do everything pretty darn well, then a modern rig is what you desire.
Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on an individual’s specific needs and preferences.
