Likewise, I’d be hard pushed to have a 6 speed auto 1995 4.6 v8, green/tan (long gone)
2005 4.8iS X5, blue/black
2011 4.4 tdv8, black/black (gone)
2003 3.0d X5, Oxford green/black/manual
2021 p575 SVR, BR green/vintage tan

The broader torque band on the S/C negates the need for an 8 speed. Previous cars:
S-Max 2007-2013 (only diesel I've had, good car but expensive when diesely bits go wrong, so what's the point?)
Galaxy 2001-2007
Mondeo Estate 1997-2001
Sierra Estate 1993-1997
Uno Turbo 1987 -1993
Fiesta 1984 - 1987
Fiat 127 1982 - 1984

I’m getting a feeling that each camp is extolling the virtues of their respective vehicle choice and, quite rightly, believes they made the right choice.

Has anyone regretted buying and changed sides? If so, why?

Appj62 is spot on.

My gosh this thread is full of fables and some who don’t understand the basics.
🤦‍♂️🤣

It’s all very simple; if you like to pay extra when going into the UKs (and abroad) major cities, and prefer to toodle along at low speeds with a gearbox that changes a lot to keep it going, and tow a lot, then the diesel makes sense.

If you don’t, well then get the petrol ⛽️ 👌👍

Objectively, here's the torque curves and power figures for all three engine variants for 2012.

Click image to enlarge

So basically the diesel feels more relaxed because it develops its power lower down (hence greater torque)?

And the SC is faster because it develops greater power.

Interesting that both torque curves very similar, albeit at different rpms.

Am assuming the SC torque curve is so flat, BECAUSE, it’s supercharged?

As Blackdog says it very simple , if you want a sophisticated driving experience using the pinnacle in bespoke engine design then buy a 4.4 sdv8 diesel. The wall of torque from tickover mated to the almost limtless tank range is a no brainer for any attractive, intelligent, well balanced person.

If you want an engine used by half the vehicles in the world since 1873 that needs filling up every 200 hundred miles and eats timing chains BUT you can pretend its fast ( when even a Golf 2.0 would destroy it and thats before it gets to the corners ) then the petrol is for you.

Personally, I'm on the fence  2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

My answer is there is no wrong answer all variants have benefits and downsides, they are all great in one situation or another and not so in others, when one engine/gearbox isn’t as good as another it’s only by small percentage, not enough to worry about... buy one enjoy and become your mechanics best friend.

If you want a car you can drive fast and in a spirited way, don’t buy a Range Rover, petrol or diesel; these are big, heavy lumps which suit relaxed cruising over long distances. Choice of fuel is up to how much time you like spending in fuel stations filling up. Both engines are in their way superb and I would happily have either.

Agreed, if you want to drive quickly, get something else... my problem is, I like to be comfortable some of the time, then occasionally get my foot down.
I suppose there are cars out there that do all these things, but not in my realistic price range.
Most things are a compromise, where that line is drawn depends on the individual.

I think I will be:

Towing - very occasionally, but need the 3500kg limit when I do (so other car no good for this)
Comfort - important... probably 60-70% weighting
Economy - relevant
Driving briskly - occasionally

My conclusion being I need to look for a well specced TDV8 or an SC

I briefly looked at 4.4 SDV8 L405s but whilst they were more advanced technologically and cut a better compromise between speed and comfort, there was something about the interior that was a bit too bland and ‘square/thin’ looking. Please don’t ask me what I mean by this and I genuinely don’t want to start another huge comparison debate. This, and the additional £10-15k price tag put me off.

Better have a go in each then. Bear in mind that a car on a forecourt may have sat about a bit, given Covid, and could probably do with a good run to clear it out and it show its best.... Petrol or diesel....

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

Personally I couldn't afford an L405, considering in Europe a well spec'd 2011 TDV8 sets you back nearly 25k GBP still!

(It's also a weekend plaything for me as I work mostly from home and generally commute by bicycle when needed. I'd have loved a 996 Carrera, but the suspension is too low to make it up the road to where I live, so that was out!)

I didn't honestly look at the SC and discounted it fairly quickly, the TDV8 seemed to be plenty enough power and here diesel is cheaper than petrol still, so combined with the better fuel consumption it looked like it'd make long distance trips easier on the wallet and I didn't expect to be able to enjoy "driving" a 4x4 anyway tbh...

The fastest other car I've had was a 3 litre straight-six BMW Z4 which did 160mph and hit 60 in 5.9 seconds, I wasn't expecting the Range Rover to feel quick, nor was I expecting it to be "fast" (top end). I also ride a CBR 600 so have a concept of a fast vehicle...

The RR's not about going quickly, it's about wafting along on a big wave of torque in absolute comfort. With very little road noise and knowing you can pretty much drive across or over anything in your way!

I was actually quite surprised how quick the fatty accelerates, considering it's 2.7 tonne, I don't think it feels like it. I didn't think it'd feel too planted round the mountain roads, but I was quite surprised - it's probably about where you set your expectations?

Personally, I think the L322 is a better looking car than any of the other RR years (entirely subjective opinion, I just happen to think it's a great shape).

The flat torque curve I suspect is engineered in (I'm sure when tuned aftermarket it's not as flat?) - the result is that you use each of those 8 gears and the narrow torque band to have a kind of relentlessly smooth surging waft from standstill to 100+mph. I suspect they worked very hard to make it feel that way...

The SC sounds better, but if you want to listen to the engine you're going to be annoyed when you find out how much sound deadening is in the car

mjdronfield wrote:

Better have a go in each then. Bear in mind that a car on a forecourt may have sat about a bit, given Covid, and could probably do with a good run to clear it out and it show its best.... Petrol or diesel....

That’s okay... the same points apply to my wallet!

I still have an actual folded up £5 note, that I think was there in February.... good old pandemic 🤣 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport