No wiser what the results were since they were covered by the thumbnails of past videos……🤦🏼‍♂️🤷🏼‍♂️😂

@dnck1985

2 ай бұрын

6 - 6

@TheLukaszpg

2 ай бұрын

Cheers, saved me 15min

@bill5300

2 ай бұрын

I hate those bloody thumbnails everyone puts on the end of the videos. Ruins the finish. And agree, I couldn't see the final score either.

@tropicsalt.

2 ай бұрын

I think that was on purpose.

@stevezodiac575

2 ай бұрын

So here's the trick: pause when thumbnails hide the results (the numbers come up behind after the thumbnails), then move the curser to midway through the video (between the thumbnails), and click to resume, then the 6 - 6 result appears momentarily.

Looks like Toyota did their homework . The 2.8 is doing a lot better than one wants to admit loudly.

@andrewsouvertjis9309

2 ай бұрын

More likely Toyota paying Ronny to say nice things i'd say

@bobby6481

2 ай бұрын

Bullshit Andrew. He isn’t the only one saying good things. The reality is aside from sound the V8 is worse in every single aspect.

@andrewsouvertjis9309

2 ай бұрын

@@bobby6481 I call bullshit on that... You don't think Toyota's budget is big enough ta pay for all those reviews...I should know I own both... The 1vd shits on the gd every day of the week and like I said I own both!!

@bobby6481

2 ай бұрын

@@andrewsouvertjis9309 so you haven’t driven a 2.8 70 series to compare?

@TORTLESSS

2 ай бұрын

@@andrewsouvertjis9309 everyone is paid, nothing is true in the internet, ford is paying you i reckon

I ordered a 2.8 litre 79 yesterday. And I'm coming from a V8 Troopy. That little 2.8 is a killer, especially in Power/Haul mode. I don't care if it only lasts 300,000Kms instead of the V8's 500,000Kms (wild, uneducated guesses in both cases) because It'll take me 10 or 12 years to get to 300,000Kms and I'll want a newer car by then. Anyway - the 2.8 might last as long as the V8, time will tell.

@SJI_77

2 ай бұрын

My 2010 v8 79 is still in stock form except for 33's, 2" lift, intercooler fans and exhaust, now with over 400k on the clock. That's all I'll need with the new 2.8 coming in mid next month. I will miss that thong slapping sound. Misses won't hear me rumbling through the hills before arriving home.

@unna1996

2 ай бұрын

Don't worry mate 2.8 been kicking around for 9 years now ... my old hilux is 2016 model and sold it to my brother inlaw and now he's towing 2.4 t caravan still .

@PP-bm7zp

2 ай бұрын

My 1kd Prado has well over 220k on the clock and has outlived my uncles troopy vdj which detonated at 130k….impossible to compare the exact same vehicle over its life.

@drwatkins14

2 ай бұрын

great answer. always hear people saying im buying this as my forever car... hahaha I dont think thats possible in this modern day. people have consumerism built into them. and things just are not built to last forever any more.

@SeasonAscent

2 ай бұрын

Plenty of hiluxes and prados with the 2.8 on much higher than 300,000kms 😄

Ronny is a KZread pro hiding the results behind the “watch next” cards like that… classic irony. Nice one, Ronny: especially after building up to the scores the whole video. Got us. 😂

I would give the 'Low Range Speed Test" Win to the 2.8 (Less is Best (AfterAll It's why SomePeople fit ReductionGears))

@scowy_sg2125

2 ай бұрын

Yep the lower the better in my book

@frankensteinsgarage9632

2 ай бұрын

Yeah I didn't understand that. Isn't the bigger the reduction the better. Better control at slow speed. Isn't that what you're after?

Hey mate, both scores at the end were obscured by the two video links 😂 what were the scores?? Great video btw. Rooting for the new LC, Im over a lifetime of manual offroading. I think its time to moved on to the new LC 👍

@dnck1985

2 ай бұрын

6 - 6

To me the most Iconic 70 is not the V8 but the HDFTE. That straight six was amazing.

@Joshua-Megatola

2 ай бұрын

I agree with that.

@FirstLightAdv

2 ай бұрын

Amen

@BonzoSAiweLsaebn

2 ай бұрын

1HZ baby! Wish it could get the 2.8 fuel economy tho, that thing chugs fuel like there is no tommorow.

@imopn

2 ай бұрын

@@BonzoSAiweLsaebn Yeah another legend

@MotoWot

2 ай бұрын

Yeeah, those 1HD / 1HZ big end bearings that disintegrate after 300k km are amazing.

So good to see Torb's back! Like a genuinely good fit on screen with you Ronny.

Not fair contest, they’re different colours

I think the short gearing and the new water-cooled intercooler are a big win factor over the Hilux.

A basic search of KZread will yield a plethora of results of 100 % standard latest model 70 series 2.8 vs 4.5. In particular, refer to the Auto Expert tow test video that uses a dynometer to control and test towing parameters of each. And yes the 2.8 wins.

Good results. I know everyone will point out the obvious that the V8 has 35s vs 33s on the 2.8. They will also point out the canopy and bar work weight. But please know that V8 is not only tuned like Rohnis, with big exhaust and 4” snorkel, it also has a larger hiflow aftermarket turbo and large intercooler. 2.8 still standard power lol.

@espkh1549

2 ай бұрын

Since when V8 needs excuses

@gamebredduramax71

2 ай бұрын

As it stands the V8 is still the proven reliable unit. Chances are the new one won’t last as long

@addictiveaussie

2 ай бұрын

@@gamebredduramax71 And that's the gist of it. My guess is that the V8 will outlast the 2.8.

@m5wm6w

2 ай бұрын

@@gamebredduramax71the 2.8 has been around for 9 years and there are far more of them kicking round pulling big caravans than the v8. People hated the v8 when it came and it issues burning oil and it still has issues with dust ingest causing plenty of failures. The v8 is nothing special.

@gamebredduramax71

2 ай бұрын

@@m5wm6w look, sadly Toyota is leaning in on the planned obsolescence tactics of the rest of the car industries, they used to build them to see how long they could last and we had over built beast of vehicles, now these manufacturers are battling the governments over stringent emissions and other regulations in order for them to remain profitable they have to turn more vehicles and to do that they can’t be lasting 10 and 20 years no more.

"It was like driving an electric car for a minute..." Thems fightin' words! Lol

Got a solution for you blokes. Just get a 200 series. Sound power and torque of the v8 with ease of the auto 😂

Glad to see Torbs and Little Bear. I missed his laugh, really thought the salt lakes were the end of his appearances.

@torbs_littlebear

2 ай бұрын

Thanks champ I'll still be joining the occasional trip as a guest

Great to see Torbs back on the channel. I think the writing is on the wall for the V8. Toyota will only improve power, torque, economy & emissions with the 4-pot as time goes on. The only thing that will be missing from the 2.8 is that awesome exhaust note.

Toyota could have put the v6 out of the 300 in the 70 series. Cheap Jack upgrade for a premium price.

So let’s put my GX 200 series which at the time of purchase cost the same as the 76 2.8l. It has the auto factory and the V8 turbo diesel, albeit with an extra turbo. Let’s see how they compare…

Still prefer the V8 manual if i was to ever buy one. But Patrol coily ute Td42ti beats them all Lol.

Four cylinder is great but if im in the middle of nowhere and its 50 degrees id rather be in low pressure V8 than high pressure four cylinder. Maybe a mechanic can correct me about that, but ill take some convincing.

@chrisandshazza01

2 ай бұрын

we run the 4 cyl Hilux's in the Pilbara. At 4pm in the middle of Feb on a 48 degree day the ground will be around 70-74 degrees. We've never had an issue with the heat - blows me away that machines operate in that heat!! Been in the Pilbara for 20 yrs, the 4 cylinders have been bullet proof for us.

@liaminrio5463

2 ай бұрын

@@chrisandshazza01 Hope it stays good for you.

@radod6147

2 ай бұрын

​@user-uc8zo6be5x you don't need to, just push it, it will start without starter motor but 4 cylinder will not start

I couldn't see the final score because the adds for other episodes was in the way... :)

@holidaymail

2 ай бұрын

Same here, came her to see if someone else had this problem!

@filmadziluk2042

2 ай бұрын

6-6

That lighter engine up front probably helps with the push back on those hills

Great shakedown Ronney. Awesome to see ya back on channel Torbes👍

But hang on torbs said the iconic 70 series is v8 but the iconic 70 series original came with a 4 cylinder 2l turbo, the 1kz 4 cylinder, the 13b-t, then a couple ov versions of straight 5 cylinder engines followed by the iconic straight 6 engines then the v8. Now back to 4 cylinder. Yes the v8 might be great but the true icon of the 70 series is the straight 6

Torbs is back👍

If only the 2.8L inline 4 didn't have a disfunctional traction control system, but still would prefer the 3.3L V6 from the 300 series.

@ev0wat

2 ай бұрын

Good old oil burner 6 cylinder. They’re having issues with it hence I reckon it was never used.

@simmo6035

2 ай бұрын

The 3.3 probably costs 5 times as much as the 2.8. It takes a few seconds to fully turn off the traction control. Press and hold but I think you need to be stationary.

@smashlee6181

2 ай бұрын

bleh v6 stinky! Inline engines all the way.

@PP-bm7zp

2 ай бұрын

Toyota traction control system is amazing, the only dysfunctional thing about it is someone who doesn’t know when to and when not to use it.

@gen1c8rs88

2 ай бұрын

@@simmo6035If Ronny didn't bother to turn off the traction control after he started the 2.8L up then the egg is on his face.

Hi Ronny, have you fitted wheel spacers to the rear of the 2.8 76?

well done putting the cards directly over the results...

Do you need to reprogram the ecu in these to recalibrate the speedo and shift points for the auto? Not sure how the auto 70 series setup, but this is a common task in other vehicles that can really make a difference as you go up in tire size.

Terrific fun comparative video. And so great to see Torbs again - he's been missed! The 2.8 is clearly the better vehicle! Also the low range speed test results were upside down! The 2.8 clearly has a lower low range - which is precisely the point of low range! So the 2.8 won on points! And that's without commenting that for me, I prefer the quieter engine and exhaust note.

Great to see Torben ❤

This was just an auto vs Manual comparison. Get a wholesale automatic auto converted 70 and see what happens.

@motorsportfreak1

2 ай бұрын

20k+ for wholesale auto conversion on top of his V8 which already has a upgraded larger bolt on turbo, larger intercooler, pipework, exhaust, air box, snorkel, tune, clutch. All that against standard 2.8 👌🏽

@Ordinary-_-Guy

2 ай бұрын

The point is it’s got nothing to do with the engine and everything to do with auto vs manual. I didn’t mention cost of after market changes, I was just pointing out a fact.

@jesse980315

2 ай бұрын

exactly.... stock they have the same power, so basically no difference. take away the auto and it's the same except the 4cyl is cheaper to do injectors and wear out faster. when you modify them the v8 will take 20psi extra boost and the 4cyl wont.

Equal comparison required. Get a V8 76, same tyres, same weight. True results then.

I still believe the most obvious thing to point out is the weight between the two. Yes the 76 is holding its own at this time in the current configuration. Add some more weight and I'm sure that will drastically change it. Put simple I am sure it will be great as a Light Weight Tourer, but as a Heavy Weight Tourer I suspect it's going to struggle. Now to get back to the V8 or I4. If you like the V8 and prefer the Home on Wheel then stick with that. If the Wife is thinking of going to something else from whatever she has then see what she thinks. Perhaps the 76 will fit what she wants and needs. That's my input for you Ronny

I don't know about the Landcruisers but on the Navara's you can just pull the fuse for the traction control.

I'd like to see some more work done to the 76, Give it a tune and 3inch. Those 2.8 sound ok for a turbo diesel 4. also would like to know if the tracking issue on the rear has been fixed since no longer wide v8. Also in regards to the Auto vs Manual having had both on the sand the auto is far greater.

what are the weights of each car? tyre brand and size? new or old? are they standard? tyre pressure?

Not sure what my next 4wd is going to be but I do know one thing. I am keeping it as close to stock as I can and I am not bolting on all the heavy shit. If I get a bullbar for Roos, it will be Alloy. I will be applying the KISS principle. Who knows, the way the current Government is going to tax us for not having electric, I may never get another 4wd which is concerning. Good clip Ronny.

I still find it hard to believe that anyone can suggest that a 4 cylinder motor in a big vehicle will outlast a V8 on the same chassis. Yes, it did pull the caravan up a hill faster than the V8, but long term, how long can it do that for?

@malcolmL995

2 ай бұрын

@@user-uc8zo6be5x I have 2 of them, one has done 280,000km and the other 180,000km. Apart from oil, filter changes and normal maintenance I have done nothing to either of them. One has towed a caravan all the way around Aus. It’s going to take a few years before the outcome of the motor change will be known. I think all you guys who are saying “4 cylinder ra ra ra” need to just sit back and wait a while and we will see what happens before bagging the rest of us.

@malcolmL995

2 ай бұрын

@@user-uc8zo6be5xI do find it interesting that people are suggesting that Ronnie is being paid by Toyota to do these reviews. I could also argue that maybe a lot of his supporters are being paid to go and trash any V8 owner comments. Sure this motor has been used in other vehicles, but not in this large a vehicle with the weights put in and behind them that people expect them to be able to carry. . Instead of saying V8’s are trash, how about waiting a couple of years and having the discussion again about what time has taught us. You ma be completely right, or you could be completely wrong.

@malcolmL995

2 ай бұрын

@@user-uc8zo6be5xI can’t argue with you about the Isuzu motors, we have owned 2 x Bighorns(you call them the Monterey in Aus) and both were great vehicles. Suspension was amazing off road and by far one of the most comfortable. I have owned Toyota BJ40 surf x 3 76 & 78 both V8 Nissan Patrol LWB x 3 SWB x 2 I only got the 76 because after selling our Tag-a-long company in NZ it was the only thing that still had beam axles. Buying the 78 in Aus was a no brainer because of the reliability etc. the Fj40 & Nissans all had 6 cylinder motors, the Surf’s all had 4 cylinder motors, the only one I had issues with was the middle one which was the older motor with turbo. It had 8 cracks in the head because Toyota didn’t do the mods needed on that motor to go from non to turbo ie bigger exhaust ports etc. unfortunately it was like that when I bought it. 😢😢 luckily I didn’t end up paying for it. That is the only motor issue I have ever had. I replaced the clutch in the FJ and had a gearbox issue with one. So I have been around a few vehicles. Some have been used almost exclusively as work vehicles. The bigger the vehicle the bigger the motor. The manufacturers have always put bigger motors in bigger vehicles that’s why I’m sceptical about going from a bigger vehicle to a smaller motor. That’s why I think only time will tell whether it was a good decision or not. I also can’t argue about less weight less issues but unfortunately some don’t see it that way, decide on what you want to carry then buy and modify a vehicle to carry it. Price is also an issue, I guess that’s why we see BT50’s towing huge caravans.

@unna1996

2 ай бұрын

I owned 2016 hilux hi rider 7 years of owing it only have 1 issued and it was a dpf but toyota changed it . Sold to my brother inlaw and now he towing 2.4 t caravan with it ..

@malcolmL995

2 ай бұрын

@@unna1996you miss my point, I’m not bagging the motor, my just questioning the putting of a 4 cylinder motor in place of a bigger motor in a bigger vehicle.

I think the auto transmission played more of a role than what people give it credit for. If Toyota had paired an auto with the V8, the conversations would be different. But ultimately its a sales call for Toyota and we're just seeing the consumer justification for moving away from the V8 engine. I believe a channel (TJ and Mac) is tuning the ZF 8 speed with 70 series. There are others as well. Compare the 2,8L with a V8 with auto.

Everyone loves the sound of a V8. Lol just something primal about it. Though my personal truck is only a V6 petrol. I chose to save the money and not opt for the V8 petrol. Though the V8 had more power. The v6 still offers 285hp and 305 ft-lbs. So as long as the engine has enough power im good no matter how many cylinders. Obviously the 2.8L has proven to have plenty on offer but the auto seems to make it seem sluggish on the beach. But tha v8 rumble....lol. I think the gearboxes make the bigger difference between the 2. What's the power and torque difference between the engines? They're both turbo diesels, so low end grunt has to be fair and the torque converter in the auto probably offsets the difference out of the blocks. I've always liked auto for off roading. Manual for a sports car or commercial trucks. But for a daily driver/4x4 I'll take a good strong automatic with a good cooling system. It just offers so much more control with just throttle. Just as long as you can keep em cool.

its more fun than serious but great to see how it tags along ;) nice to follow how ronny gains experience on it so he can tell at the end. vehicles are always individual decisions. cheers!

Great comparison video, great to see Torb's and great to see him eating a little portion of humble pie.

Hey mate love your channel. In the UAE we still get the V6 4.0L version (4.0L, V6, 24-VALVE DOHC VVT-I). You reckon this will be a good buy or wait for the 2.8L (if it ever comes here)? The main thing I will be using it for desert camping (so desert sand driving)

@tcmx712

2 ай бұрын

The V6 is waaay better for desert work, only positive to the 2.8 is fuel economy otherwise the v6 has more power and is good for 300,000+kms

What would your thoughts be on the 2.8 if they were to put the six speed manual behind it? Improvement or does the auto suit the 2.8 more?

Torb's V8 is tuned right? How is that a fair contest? Standard head to head the 2.8L wins every time.

I guess its just nice to have a choice....as a person that loves the sounds of a V8 makes it hard when pretty much everything with the 2.8 auto just makes sence especially for touring...i would rather the economy the quite and the relaxing drive of an auto any day when smashing kms..at least you can have a conversation in the 2.8 doing 100km

Yes Ronny that auto would make a big difference on the sand as it seem to do things easy once you know how to drive it .

Another great vid Ronny and good to see Torbs again! I can see lot of positives with the 2.8, especially given the automatic transmission. I am really liking my V8 troopy which I have had for a couple of years now. I just find myself wondering how a V8 Auto would go.

@jatpg

2 ай бұрын

I had the v8 auto 200gx. It was a boat. I feel the v8 and manual go well together...and it is looking like the 2.8 and auto match well.

A lot of the results were driver error and not really the car, but it was still fun to see

Auto all theway :-) they're so much easier in the sand and slow stuff... My Pajero sport has done the Yaegerup trip twice and only once got stuck once on the way up Callcup hiil (8spd auto, stock suspension on 32.6 inch tryes 265/70r17)

As a gear head for as long as I can remember, I would have to go, the 4cyl. I like the technology and I like V8's that actually sound good 😉 Disclaimer. To be fair a completely stock exhaust on the 1VD sounds ok.

In high range maybe the traction control can be fully turned off with a 5second press of the button?

@pewpew2400

2 ай бұрын

You can pull a fuse on the 120 Prado d4d to disable it, I was wondering if you can do similar with this one (?)

@perpelle

2 ай бұрын

Yes, you can. You need to be stationary though.

Hey mate, love your content. Have learned heaps! Would you ever modify a Mahindra pickup? Hear they're good, not good looking, but it could be a lot of smoke. Figured you'd be the guy to pressure test it proper. All the best mate

What's the shield on Torbs bonnet called? where can I buy one?

Seems like there may have been a little driver error involved with this test. The new 70 is still surprisingly good no matter what way you look at it, still not sure if I want one though. Longevity just can’t be tested anytime soon hey. Thanks for giving it a crack, good video.

I figure it all depends on how long you want to keep it. V8 means relatively relaxed. The little 4 is getting blood from a stone.

Sand driving doesn't require four-wheel drive just low tyre pressures and an automatic

@simmo6035

2 ай бұрын

You think Ronny and torbs didn't have their tyres pressures down?

@leighchamberlain25

2 ай бұрын

@@simmo6035 I'm sure they did, I'm just pointing out that beach driving is a terrible way of comparing 4x4 ability coz you don't even need a 4x4 to do it.

Hey Ronny I’m wondering what you thing they will do after the v8 is finished in terms of a manual. Do you thing they will start offering the 1gd with the 6 speed hilux manual because I can imagine no everyone will want an auto even if the 2.8 is good with the auto

very happy to to see Torbs... and his beast...

I nearly spent the mkney on a ZF 8 speed auto conversion for my 79 v8. Now that would be an interesting comparison

Hi Ronny great to see these tests. I would also like to suggest to have a look at comparing the mahindra pick up truck with the 79 series 4 cylinder since they are both very similar agriculture vehicles. Better yet if you could do a build series with one adding your twist on modifications which will be interesting to see and compare since both vehicles have a large difference in price. Cheers from Sri Lanka!

It's hardly a fair comparison putting a man of Torbens talents against an amateur like Ronny 😂😂😂 good to see the A Crew back together

I have a Troopcarrier 2.8 you can turn the traction control off manually a short press of the button a long press 3 seconds will disable TRC/A-TRC and VSC systems

@Ronny_Dahl

2 ай бұрын

You have to be sitting still to do that, I was in motion committed to the hill climb would have cost a fail if I stopped to turn it off

@kisbushcraftdownunder

2 ай бұрын

@@Ronny_Dahl My previous HILUX was the same on anything but sand I would leave the traction control on I got caught out just as you did more often than I like to admit regards Mike

Lovely Ep and 4wds guys. When I was 20 to 40 I loved a V8 bark. but now I am nearly 60 I hate it, 2,8lt auto thanks.

I think the comparison test was a little unfair. First of all the 79 was a lot heavier than the 76 and second there is significant difference in the wheelbase of the two vehicles. Although difficult for you I would have liked to have seen two 76 cruisers compared. I think the remap for the V8 was a good idea as the V8 is significantly detuned and can get much more out of it than you can with remapping (if it is possible) the 2.8

Great to see Torb's back! Missed you mate!

In the 200, if you hold down the traction control button for five seconds while the car is stationary, you can turn off the system. It is worth trying in the 70.

I couldn’t stand listening to the drone of the V8 on a long trip - glad it’s on your car

Nice to see torb’s back in the channel i love you content saludos desde California

How much is the motor, and how much is the automatic transmission. If the V8 had an automatic transmission, would the results be the same?

The capability of the new 2.8 is certainly a surprise to me at least but I don't think I'm quite ready to shelve the V8 just yet, just the sound alone is adequate compensation for the extra fuel the V8 uses and an auto gearbox does not hold much appeal to me either.

Great video. But, I've never understood why you use low range so much. I've always had a Prado with the same running gear as your new wagon, and watching the V8, I now understand why. How about for your next challenge, don't use low range. You'll find that the 2.8 runs better without it. Save low range for emergencies.

2021 Prado owners smirk knowlingly... that engine has been around for a while.

Ha! Awesome stuff. Loving these videos.

I'm writing you from the top of the Yeagarup exit. Did it in my fully laded 76series from 2021 lowrange 3rd 33'muddy 8/15psi, from the middle section. 16psi was far too high

@daniellaventurier974

2 ай бұрын

I can't understand why you tried to conquer this hill with that speed.

What to say? all depends on driver‘s skills and some luck. V8 or 4 Cylinder does not play a major role, automatic gives definitely some more luxury for driving and avoids mistakes of chosen gear. Time will tell us how long the automatic gear box and the 4 cyl engine will last, both definitely running closer to their limits than in a stock or moderate tuned V8.

Great to see Torbs back! Legend.

Ronny. Please do a stock 2.8 vs v8 drag race to 100kph, towing a trailer. Just keep adding weight till the v8 wins. Surely it will take over, even with a manual.

That Jimny looks sick

the v8 had like a lot more kg on it and bigger tires .... yup

I think the 4cyl is a great option for some, but how is this even close to a comparison due to the massive weight etc differences. Good for the views I suppose

What's with not being able to see the score at the end because they are covered with these suggestion link/thumbnails?

Are you thinking of doing a review on the 48v thats coming out this year?

Hold down the traction control off button for like 5 to 10 seconds and it will be completely turned off?

"She be right mate....Only one owner" 😂😂😂😂😂 Gold

Nice to see you keeping it calm and balanced, not all emotional ranting.

@lynblisso2880

2 ай бұрын

😂😂😂

Would you make a video comparing the toyota fortuner vs 76 2.8l

Love the 8!!

I think the best answer is a V8 with the modern engineering of the 2.8

Hope you washed the salt off the 2.8 as I am thinking you will be keeping her......... Keep up the good work, great video.

It comes down to driving experience or not

After watching all, I think, of your 2.8 video's I'd say that the 2.8 Auto is making a compelling argument for itself. And as for the V8 sound? I assume it's running an aftermarket 3" exhaust

What about driver error?

This really shows the capability of modern automatic transmissions. They really even the score Offer the automatic on the V8

No replacement for displacement.

So good to see Torbs back.. even if it is just random appearances :)

We need to know for comparing: same tyre sizes? Same kerbweights?

@ronnydal let’s go engine vs engine, to do this you need an auto v8 in stock tune v auto 4 cylinder standard form both empty on same size tyres. Modern automatics are far superior to manual in many ways take this out of the equation. Compare motor with motor

All good fun, but again all this proves to me is not vehicle capability but driver error! Torbs said it best the auto saves your butt, so from that point of view Toyota has done a very good job of dialing in the auto. I know you aren't a professional tester and people need to keep in mind that any vehicle weight and weight distribution is a bigger is a bigger factor if all other things are equal eg tires are at right pressures. I regularly run my vehicle against much lighter vehicles and unlocked, and those lighter vehicles are usually autos, those drivers usually would struggle much more in a manual and a heavier vehicle. So Auto definitely helps anyone esp uphill. Yesterday in soft river conditions like deep sand, this bed pulled you down ,the last part of the day all I could smell was a Auto tranny from the Hilux 2 cars ahead of me, when they finally aired down, I was not struggling the Hilux while better on 32s was still struggling a bit and it had more weight in it than your 76 with a full tray, it was still very capable and well driven, surprised me how it handled the terrain and I have had 2 of them in that model, but I never put my auto through that abuse, still that smell made me happy I was in my MT 80s. I have burnt an Auto out many years ago. I really like to see you weight bridge Torbs truck and then the 76 afterwards and I'm still out on how a Troopy 2.8 or a 79 DC 2.8l, wit hthe same weight still on 33s would compare! What I do think is proved is the 2.8l auto can hold its own and is doing well and I have seen that on other channels even towing a small caravan with family and kids, again not super hard 4wd tracks, but decent trails, but still enough for who is going to buy this vehicle. Jury is still out for me on how the Auto and 2.8l will hold up under loads with real weight that most add to these vehicles esp in the Troopy form RT conversions and kitchen sink every ASP accessory you can build into them and the DC 79s form eg Tray and Canopy and chassis extensions and the sink as well. That will be the real test. I would never choose one or the other based on these tests however. I also think ASP put forward a very good point, this engine is already turned up to near max point, its high strung, even if not showing that, its tuned to that point and not much room left, where as the V8 is easily tunable modable add an Auto conversion and see what driver error comparisons you get. JMO.