Is the LR3 a Serious Off-Road Competitor?

[LR3_OWNER]

...better (low) gear ratio for starters. Better fuel economy. Not too big so that it can't even fit down trails. Doesn't bust tie-rods because it's overweight.

...should I continue?

To be honest I don't know much about the H3 except that I PERSONALLY like it better. Take that for what it's worth. If you want to compare against the LR3 I can do that intelligently all day long.

The fact that this thread started by someone comparing the HUGE H2 to the comparatively dimunitive LR3 is an indictment on GM's inability to get it right with that model. It is, shall I say, "big for the sake of being big." This only indicates a lack of creativity and/or real design effort on the part of GM's Engineers.

Finally, look at my login name, Einstein....you have to expect that part of my mission in resurrecting this post is to irritate you and push your buttons. Mission accomplished.

[Vettster]

Originally Posted by LR3_OWNER

...better (low) gear ratio for starters. Better fuel economy. Not too big so that it can't even fit down trails. Doesn't bust tie-rods because it's overweight.

...should I continue?

To be honest I don't know much about the H3 except that I PERSONALLY like it better. Take that for what it's worth. If you want to compare against the LR3 I can do that intelligently all day long.

The fact that this thread started by someone comparing the HUGE H2 to the comparatively dimunitive LR3 is an indictment on GM's inability to get it right with that model. It is, shall I say, "big for the sake of being big." This only indicates a lack of creativity and/or real design effort on the part of GM's Engineers.

Finally, look at my login name, Einstein....you have to expect that part of my mission in resurrecting this post is to irritate you and push your buttons. Mission accomplished.

Let me see. No profile and only 4 posts. (All to the same thread)
Dissing a vehicle that you admit to never having driven. (but, You say you like the pictures .
Admitting that you come onto the forum just to stir up things.

Seems to me that you should change your user name to LR3_Troll.

Come back when you have done your homework.

[LR3_OWNER]

I wasn't dissing the H3, just the H2...which I have in fact driven.

I regularly get 20 mpg on the freeway, so the gas mileage is far superior....forget the EPA estimates; they're not consistent with my experience.

As for the tire and ground clearance and my "circular argument." What I mean is that the H2 is much bigger than the LR3 and that does allow it to go places that the LR3 cannot go. It does not provide better traction or handle itself better over obstacles. That is not a circular argument....but I can see how it could sound like a contradiction. Let me make an analogy here to help you better understand my point. It is like having "weight classes" in wresting. You wouldn't expect a lightweight to beat a heavyweight....but in terms of technical abilty he may still be a better wrestler.

As for the poster that got stuck in the mud....I'd have to know more about your tires (on both rigs) and your driving ability before I can blame the Rover in this case. The size and wheelbase could've played a big role. What tires do you have on your LR3?

[RazM]

Originally Posted by LR3_OWNER

Let me make an analogy here to help you better understand my point. It is like having "weight classes" in wresting. You wouldn't expect a lightweight to beat a heavyweight....but in terms of technical abilty he may still be a better wrestler.

Except the LR3 can be compared to a lightweight who is wearing his trunks down at his ankles, he trips easily.

The whole point of a proper 4x4 comes down to how it's designed, minimal overhangs, maximum clearance. You can have all the traction control systems you want, if you can't fit decent tires or reach an obstacle without your body getting in the way, you're not going anywhere.

[dochummer]

12 mpg and 15 mpg are not estimates - they are real world results. My H2 gets 11 mpg and 15 mpg with the same driver...The EPA estimates aren't even close to what you'd expect.

BFG A/T's were run on both vehicles.

Have you been able to find any info on LR3's running the Rubicon Trail in California? Moab info/pics are also pretty limited although I know there are a few S.California guys who have run it. But as far as the Rubicon, I've looked, and sadly haven't found any yet.

Have you driven both vehicles off-road? If you're comparing on-road handling - the LR3 is somewhat more pleasurable in the city and has a much tighter turning radius. Parking is easier and you don't have to worry about roof clearance in parking garages. The highway, well - my wife and I both like the H2 better - especially for family trips/camping. For winter driving, either vehicle is great in the snow. However, I think the stability of the H2 is somewhat better than the LR3 - mostly because of it's track and size - it doesn't get pulled around as much in ruts. It is nice having stability control in the LR3 though. Off-road if you were to compare side by side, the H2 would have it beat. The size of the LR3 is better than the H2, and the traction control is impressive - but, the H2's approach and departure angles make it much more comfortable in more situations.

Yes, I agree you are comparing apples to oranges and the H3 would be a much better size comparison....

Originally Posted by LR3_OWNER

I wasn't dissing the H3, just the H2...which I have in fact driven.

I regularly get 20 mpg on the freeway, so the gas mileage is far superior....forget the EPA estimates; they're not consistent with my experience.

As for the tire and ground clearance and my "circular argument." What I mean is that the H2 is much bigger than the LR3 and that does allow it to go places that the LR3 cannot go. It does not provide better traction or handle itself better over obstacles. That is not a circular argument....but I can see how it could sound like a contradiction. Let me make an analogy here to help you better understand my point. It is like having "weight classes" in wresting. You wouldn't expect a lightweight to beat a heavyweight....but in terms of technical abilty he may still be a better wrestler.

As for the poster that got stuck in the mud....I'd have to know more about your tires (on both rigs) and your driving ability before I can blame the Rover in this case. The size and wheelbase could've played a big role. What tires do you have on your LR3?

[LR3_OWNER]

Well....14/20 mpg are MY real world results.

I hear what you're saying about angles, but there are other measures that you are neglecting.

What about gear ratios, suspension articulation (wheel travel), power-to-weight? The H2 is not great in those areas...I'm not just talking about traction control. ...and what about side-slope and gradient capability? The Hummer reports 60% and 40%....which is unimpressive.

I'm surprised to hear that you like the H2 better on long drives because frankly I can't see out of the thing.

There are some solid points being made in these posts; but I fear we're bordering on the realm of arguing taste and preference, which is futile.

[Boss Hoss]

Originally Posted by LR3_OWNER

Its clear to see i am ignorant and only want to talk about what is my personal preference and based on ignorance at that. Personally I prefer to e-wheel as wheeling in actuality would burst my bubble.

There are some solid points being made in these posts; but I fear we're bordering on the realm of arguing taste and preference, which is futile.

You must be new to ewheeling as you are not very good at it. How bout you put up or shut up. Since your LR3 is much smaller AND more capable so it should be able to walk circles around the H2....now post pics.

[LR3_OWNER]

changing my quote....very juvenile....and lame.

So, you want pics?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/16177735@N00/?saved=1

The pics on this website, posted earlier by Aubs is actually ME ! Now, I don't expect you to believe that carte blanche, but it is. I was amazed when I saw that picture on the board. I thought "you know what, I think that's me." Then I saw my flickr sight pasted in and clicked it and sure enough, it's me. Those were taken in Carmel back in 2006. I've also done the Experience Driving School in Montreal. ...and I go out a bit here in WA too.

How do I post pics directly into this box? I will do so when I figure it out, but clearly I'm not as e-savvy as you JOs !

By the way, speaking of e-wheeling...ever see the Hummer stuff on Comcast? Watching the H2 ford 27" of "Virtual Water" is a joke.