Ozark_Prowler
Active member
TL;DR: Does a lighter 5 speed Tacoma have the advantage off-road or is a heavier Land Cruiser preferable for its durability? Which model has the greater drawbacks overall as a DD/weekend warrior?
Pictured are the two rigs I've ran in the last year and a half or so. Obviously they both have their pros and cons. I'd say the Tacoma was way more fun to drive around town with the 5 speed manual, and to me it seemed more capable on local trails than the Land Cruiser. It weighed literally a ton less, and in 1st gear lo I could walk it up just about anything, no lockers needed. The engine compression was a lot better for steep descents also. Finally the short wheelbase made it much more maneuverable on tight trails around here. Just an amazing fun vehicle which I would've kept were it not for the rot starting inside the frame.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser's frame is far more durable and much less prone to internal frame rust. The coils all around are also a plus for the nice ride, and the solid front axle is legendary. Overall it's just built a lot tougher than the Tacoma and seems like it'd stand up better to prolonged rough-road abuse. No LBJs to worry about either.
But being so heavy I've found it's easier to get stuck in. Sure, the axles flex better, but it still loses traction in fairly tame situations where all four wheels are still on the ground. I also don't like how the automatic behaves in 4lo. There seems to be more hesitation whereas in the Tacoma I could just put it in gear and go. At least I don't have to worry about stalling I guess. Finally the interior always seem to be gross on the LCs too compared to Tacos. And that big tractor engine always seems to be coated in gunk and oil (what tractor isn't?). Mine also has an annoying greasy/sulfury smell from the engine bay which I assume is fluids burning off. My 3RZ was the same age and was basically dry underneath.
I've come to the conclusion that Land Cruisers were designed more for prolonged use on dirt roads while carrying a bunch of people and gear, in other words "overlanding" or touting. Meanwhile Tacomas were made more with daily driving/weekend trail bashing in mind. I'm thinking of getting another single cab Taco, but am I missing something?
Pictured are the two rigs I've ran in the last year and a half or so. Obviously they both have their pros and cons. I'd say the Tacoma was way more fun to drive around town with the 5 speed manual, and to me it seemed more capable on local trails than the Land Cruiser. It weighed literally a ton less, and in 1st gear lo I could walk it up just about anything, no lockers needed. The engine compression was a lot better for steep descents also. Finally the short wheelbase made it much more maneuverable on tight trails around here. Just an amazing fun vehicle which I would've kept were it not for the rot starting inside the frame.
On the other hand, the Land Cruiser's frame is far more durable and much less prone to internal frame rust. The coils all around are also a plus for the nice ride, and the solid front axle is legendary. Overall it's just built a lot tougher than the Tacoma and seems like it'd stand up better to prolonged rough-road abuse. No LBJs to worry about either.
But being so heavy I've found it's easier to get stuck in. Sure, the axles flex better, but it still loses traction in fairly tame situations where all four wheels are still on the ground. I also don't like how the automatic behaves in 4lo. There seems to be more hesitation whereas in the Tacoma I could just put it in gear and go. At least I don't have to worry about stalling I guess. Finally the interior always seem to be gross on the LCs too compared to Tacos. And that big tractor engine always seems to be coated in gunk and oil (what tractor isn't?). Mine also has an annoying greasy/sulfury smell from the engine bay which I assume is fluids burning off. My 3RZ was the same age and was basically dry underneath.
I've come to the conclusion that Land Cruisers were designed more for prolonged use on dirt roads while carrying a bunch of people and gear, in other words "overlanding" or touting. Meanwhile Tacomas were made more with daily driving/weekend trail bashing in mind. I'm thinking of getting another single cab Taco, but am I missing something?
