morning, as some of you will know i was thinking of changing the car for an Q7, Merc GL to get more boot space but i have also being trying to work out how to stay in a RR..... however if i did i was thinking about getting into something slightly newer.... so the q that i have is how much better is the 3.6 diesel ?

my car is a low mileage td6 and has being looked after by me for the last 4 years so i know that its in good nick but the one thing that i wished it did better was 80mph - 90 mph on the motorways, in my opinion this version is happier at 70mph

i believe the 3.6 has an extra & longer gear and obviously a better engine so hence my q of how much better is one of these and how much would it cost me to "change up" or should i wait 12 months and see if i could go straight to the 4.4 diesel?

thoughts opinions appreciated....

ta

Not sure the Audi Q7 has more day to day "boot space" than the L322 Andy?

We had a Q7 for a long time and whilst a great car with an actually very useful boot space, due to the curvature of the Q7 roof, it can impact on boot content whereas we've not encountered any such compromises with the L322.

Q7 is also an expensive beast to run and maintain (I wouldn't entertain one without a 'proper' warranty) no matter the age or mileage of the Q7) although you might be used to that the expensive running/ maintenance if you own a RR!

Sorry for going slightly OT on your first reply and surely people will answer your 3.0, 3.6, 4.4 questions quickly too.



Last edited by pld118 on 27th Aug 2014 10:19am. Edited 1 time in total

similar actual boot volume space but a lot of the space in a FF is in the height which is not as usable....q7 / GL have more floor area in the boot....

Have you thought about having yours chipped, as mine would sit at that speed if I let it.
greg .

From what I read on this forum, the TDV8 models are quite a step up from the TD6 in driving comfort, speed, torque etc. Also the newer models are more refined, more quiet etc.

When I went from the 2006 SC to the 2010 SC, it was a BIG difference.

As for boot space, I feel the L322 has a lot of it but I honestly never compared it to a Q7. I have used cars with sloping rooflines (rentals) and don't like them. I think the space in a L322 can be used effectively using the height as well. Big roller suitcases, just put them vertical, can't do that in a lot of cars

See if you can rent one for a long weekend and do your own comparison as if you were packing for a big trip and see if that makes a serious amount of difference.

I don't mind the Q7, they are just not as classy and stunning as the L322 IMHO. I would not reject it as a company car or rental or if I can't find a decent L322 but the FFRR is still by far the nicest and most stunning car around IMHO.

Or just go for the 5.0 SC and you will have way too much fun to even think about boot space and other mundain affairs  MY 2010 5.0 SC Galway green and sand interior!!
Have the Faultmate MSV2 Extreme to be tinkering with the settings etc. !!

As a died in the wool Audi affecinado, I did succumb to lure of a Q7, lasted six weeks before I chopped it in for another L322. Jiggly suspension, claustrophobic cabin, lots of gremlins with the Satnav, phone, entertainment controls etc and ate a set of brake pads in 5 weeks! Tyre wear was also shockingly bad.

Good points were the performance, engine refinement and cabin ergonomics.

I find the L322 boot space overall more useful than in the Q7, but do accept the Q7 will take longer items before needing to fold down seats.

I would recommend trying a loaner Q7 (or whatever) before paying over any hard earned and make sure it is right for your use. Should've been old enough to know better...doh!
Current 2010 5.0 SC Autobiography
Previous 2006 TD6 Vogue SE
Previous 1998 P38 4.6 Vogue Autobiography 50 (No 10)

interesting idea of putting the bags vertically, i have to say that didn't even cross my mind...... i enquired into having it chipped but decided against it as JE eng, said that it would just more power rather than less revs which is what i want....

cheers guys... does anyone have a tdv8 3.6 near me (sw13) that they would take me out in

I have a 3.6 tdv8 Westminster and regularly drive abroad in France and can confirm the 3.6 is very happy pootling along at 80mph in fact it has no issues at 90 either it will cruise with ease even up some of the long french hilly roads  09 TDV8 Westminster, Mariana Black, Rear seat entertainment, hatch bag and 2 slobbery mutts

TDV8 is a world of difference from a TD6 - You really need to try one - you won't stop smiling

But is that the 3.6 tdv8? As I couldn't stretch to 4.4......

Haven't driven the Td6 but got a TDV8 and it's dangerously comfortable at high speeds. I picked it up from Gary and was "pootling" back around the M25 to a meal with some customers in Guildford and glanced down at the speedo. Lets say it was too quick - although I had just come from driving a 1995 Defender with mud terrain tyres.

One thing to note with the TDV8s I think is that most things internally were updated I think so from what I hear the interior has a nicer feel to it.

Once it comes back from Scotland (for my sins my Mum and sister borrowed it for a week) if you fancy a trip down to Surrey you can have a look over it.

cheers Sako, very kind mate.... a guy quite near me has offered me a spin too but if that doesnt come off then i will give you a shout!

No problem, should be back on Saturday but I'm off duck shooting this weekend and then the weekend after climbing in France for 2 weeks. Road trip in the FF

andyleeds wrote:

But is that the 3.6 tdv8? As I couldn't stretch to 4.4......

3.6 is all you need - can be remapped very effectively if you feel the need for more.

Drive one - you will be hooked