Defenders more uncomfortable than Discovery's/Range Rovers?

[Dendy Jarrett]

I don't ever remember asking myself if my foot was on fire when I drove the disco.

That is funny as a hoot. Just spewed coffee!
I was thinking the same thing, but didn't type it.

I never found the 110 to be uncomfortable in regards to the seat. Just the fact that in the winter it was cold inside, in the summer, it was an oven (the air conditioner for a 110 consist of two gerbils blowing over an ice cube) and when it rained, the water dripping in from the drivers door top was somewhat annoying. If it was one of those dewy mornings, driving could be a challenge because the windows would fog up so bad, I'd have to stop every 10 miles and wipe the insides of the windows with a towel.
But uncomfortable seats ... no.

D

[Series1Rangie]

Well not sure if a series counts, but I have driven long distances in my classic, both swb and lwb series, a 101, and ridden as a passenger in a 90. I have had issues with all of them but don't have any issues sitting in the series all day long, and the windscreen on the defender makes it even better. My only complaint in the 90 was the silly AC in the passenger footwell.

I will add a 110/127/130 to the stable, and while I may look at some different seats for it, I am convinced that it will be plenty comfortable for as long as I want to be behind the wheel. I mean its not like you look at your row of cars and go, man I have to be in Vegas in 6 hours, let me take the defender (no matter which engine it has).

Mike and Myles

[Rovertrader]

Let's see if I can put in perspective at 6'-3" and 245#. I have driven Defenders from NC to Co, to Moab, to Belize, and to Newfoundland, but have ridden motorcycles as far and more often. In all reality I think I like the Defender experience because it is a lot like the bikes- you are part of the environment. Comfortable? Not so much. But for solo travel, comfort is not my goal- however emersing myself into the moment is. I drove my first D90 as a DD for a couple years, sans top- it took that long to become ready for comfort on DD trips, and went to a 90 wagon. Did that for three years, then flipped back and forth. However, I must admit when I drove my 130 to Co with a fellow D lover, then we drove an LR3 home, reality hit us square in the face. After a 20 hr day in the D it took a day to hear well again and regain feeling to all body parts. After a 20 hr day in the LR3, we were fresh as one can be after said trip. Might be because we could converse and listen to the radio- at the same time!! It is all up to the priorities of the owner and how enthralled he is with his vehicle.

NOTE: I have not been without a Defender since my first ride in one 19 years ago....

[Monkeyboy]

Hmm, I seem to be significantly shorter than Dale...just not much lighter.

I've found the Disco much more comfortable than the D90..probably due to the cruise control and the easing of pressure on my old bad knee.

[overlander]

x2 on what Dale said. My 110 is my DD. I think the trick to having a comfortable Defender experience is soundproofing, good seat foam and not being too tall. Regardless, the Discovery range will always be more comfortable no matter what. My wife has a DII. I prefer to drive the Defender when I want to drive, and prefer to drive the Disco when I don't.

[Rovertrader]

I prefer to drive the Defender when I want to drive, and prefer to drive the Disco when I don't.

This sums it all up!! Well put Mark.

[kellymoe]

To answer the original question, YES!!

[The Rover Shop]

To answer the original question, YES!!

There was an original question...?????

[Rovertrader]

Defenders more uncomfortable than Discovery/Range Rovers?

Interesting really- sounds like the lesser of two evils;-)

Shayne- when you hitting the road?

[rijosho]

Love the seating position of the Defenders. As others have said, the lumbar support (if your seat foam has not broken down) is perfectly positioned for my back. The side bolsters around the stomach area keep me in place, so I'm not moving around much, which I think can usually tire a driver out a little quicker when the bolsters are non-existant. That's just seating position, though. The doors never seem to seal all that well, nor do the vents on the bulkhead, so if you consider 1) being able to hear your own thoughts or your occupants while at highway speeds, 2) not have your ears ring for an hour after an 8 hour trip, 3) dry feet when it's raining, 4) A/C that blows cold but doesn't really keep you cool, and 5) heat that's hot but never really warms up the cabin in the Winter time, to be equated into this idea of what "comfortable" entails, then I'm sure the Discovery or Range Rover is more comfortable. My *** and back sweat like crazy when I'm driving longer distances in the Defender, or offroading, but again the seating position is perfect for me. I'm 5'8" - some of the taller guys complain about the seating position and get seat risers, etc.