I test drove both a TD4 and SD4 auto and didn't find that there was much difference at all in urban driving - the extra power would probably be more noticeable at motorway speeds when overtaking or if you were towing. I recently found out the SD4 has a larger turbo and a couple of other modifications but I wouldn't have known otherwise.

So difficult to say whether the SD4 is worth the extra cash! It really is down to personal preference. The only other factors I can think of to consider are insurance costs - the SD4 added £150/200 onto my annual insurance quotes, and if I had wanted a Dynamic a lot of insurers wouldn't even quote! I am claim free and no points, so is possibly due to living in a dodgy area of Leeds! Also, if you are looking at models higher up in the the range, I would assume an SD4 auto XS or Dynamic would be more desirable to buyers when you come to sell in the future than a TD4 auto XS or Dynamic.

Hope that makes some sense!

Jo

Mav71 wrote:

A very strange question.

Both TD4 and SD4 can be specced to the same level on all trims. The SD4 s quicker.

Nothing more to say?

From many of the comments made I don't think it's a particularly strange question to ask. I have no experience of either engine and want to make a choice based on actual fact rather than what the manufacturer says; after all it's fairly well known now that they over-state the MPG. I know they can be spec'd in the same trim and I know the SD4 is quicker, what I don't know is what they are like to live with in real life and whether that extra £1k is better kept in my pocket or the dealer's.

Anyway as usual I am grateful for all input, it's all really enlightening. Cheers  Joanne

Freelander 1.8 Petrol XEi Jan 1998 - 2004
Freelander 2 (MY13) SD4 Auto XS (Mauritius Blue) - May 2013 onwards

Landylady wrote:

"the SD4 added £150/200 onto my annual insurance quotes, and if I had wanted a Dynamic a lot of insurers wouldn't even quote! I am claim free and no points, so is possibly due to living in a dodgy area of Leeds! "....

Jo

£1000 is always better in your pocket rather than the Dealers.
As to what they're like to drive in real life?
In simple terms they are both good. I drive an SD4 at work and own a TD4 (albeit manual). The SD4 is a great package to drive but then again so is the TD4. In day to day driving, mix or urban, A&B roads I doubt many will notice the difference in engine size, especially as both produce the same amount of torque. If you are towing, or doing lots of autobahn driving then I'd probably go for an SD4, if on the other hand you're around town, local journeys and the occasional motorway, the TD4 will be just fine.
The 1.8 second difference in 0-60 and additional 6 mph aren't going to make much difference to the average owner but at the end of the day it will come down to personal preference.
Out of interest the Freelander 2 model used by LR Experience Centres is an SD4 HSE.

I test drove both the td4 manual and the sd4 auto. Opted for the sd4 as it felt much quicker and just generally more life in the engine.

But then having that extra power and acceleration was important to me personally. It was more money but I also got a newer car.

I would strongly suggest you drive both. It's completely subjective and down to personal preference what you prefer.

Thanks, I will try both. Joanne

Freelander 1.8 Petrol XEi Jan 1998 - 2004
Freelander 2 (MY13) SD4 Auto XS (Mauritius Blue) - May 2013 onwards

the td4 auto not manual can be remapped safely to around 200hp anyway When I die, I want to go peacefully like my Grandfather did, in his sleep -- not screaming, like the passengers in his car

...and don't forget the road fund is more on a SD4 than a TD4!

IanH wrote:

...and don't forget the road fund is more on a SD4 than a TD4!

The road fund licence is the same for a TD4 and SD4 of the same year if the TD4 has an auto gearbox.

.... and MY11 and later is Euro 5 compliant so emissions are lower than previous FL2's, allowing cheaper road fund licence.

My wife and I have just brought two MY13 XS's, and one was mistakenly invoiced by the dealer (for road fund) as an SD4 - £325 road fund rather than the more palatable £170 per year

EYorkshire wrote:

The road fund licence is the same for a TD4 and SD4 of the same year if the TD4 has an auto gearbox.

.... and MY11 and later is Euro 5 compliant so emissions are lower than previous FL2's, allowing cheaper road fund licence.

I test drove a pre 2011 facelift (160bhp) and a couple of post facelift SD4s (190bhp) and opted for the SD4 (all autos). I *think* I felt a difference in response, with the SD4 just feeling a bit more perky.

I was coming from a small pretty fast car, so was a bit nervous about going to sub 10 sec 0-60 car, even though in reality with the FL2 I'm not sure how much difference in my daily usage it actually makes.

I paid £220 in road tax. Insurance for the two types was roughly the same for me. FL2 2011 SD4 XS in Galway Green

Hi,

Just renewed our tax disc on a 2010 TD4-e (proper gearbox )......£220 Kola is the big solid black German Shepherd, Dobbie is.......a breed you've never heard of......yet;)

The SD4 is a lot quicker, and in my opinion, it is well worth the extra £1000. Freelander 2 HSE Lux 2013MY - Barolo Black with Ivory Leather. Alpine DVD - Privacy -Evoque 20" Dynamic Wheels and more to come.........