the nissan patrol has a coil sprung straight axle front and rear end, a super low low range transfer case, and a badass four banger DI turbo diesel.
if by overall you mean is better for grocery store duty thatn extreme off road expeditions then i guess i agree.
a 350z is a sad story. we all know the japs should stick to inline engines, right?
god bless 7mget supras!!!!
but yes, the days of true off road utilitarian vehicles is over, just like the days of high performing, cheap, japanese sportcars.
Driven any of those?
I have. Most of them (and even sold some of them for big $$ for living). Pajeros, Galant VR4s, Lancia Delta Integrales, 911s, 3000GTs, Ladas, Audi Quattros, you name it.
To add to the fun was usual killing twin turbo Supras and 4-banger Porches with my "almost stock" 1990 240SX on the highways during the daily commute for a few years rain or snow.
I had to buy a 2006 Xterra SE (265hp, 280lbs "grocery hauler") with an auto tranny instead of the OR 6-speed because my wife refuses to drive stick (she drives a G35x).
Well, she drove the X once... for about 5 miles out of the 28,000 on it...
BTW, my brother-in-law's 2007 Subaru WRX STI is sitting in my driveway right now...