Hey,

So I've already got a TJ AWD Sports, which I love. I'm looking to add a 3rd Gen Verada to the collection. I want to stay with the same vintage, i.e., KJII.

My question is: which one handles better, an AWD 'rada or a GTV? I'm told the GTV runs similar suspension to a Sports/VRX, including a rear swaybar.

I know the GTV has a lot more kit, i.e. leather, Nardi wheel, sat nav etc but I'd be happy to tart up an Ei AWD to look like a GTVI if it tackles the corners better.

I'm aware of the typical advantages/disadvantages of FWD vs AWD, I'm just curious about people's experiences on either/both of these cars...

So I've already got a TJ AWD Sports, which I love. I'm looking to add a 3rd Gen Verada to the collection. I want to stay with the same vintage, i.e., KJII.

My question is: which one handles better, an AWD 'rada or a GTV? I'm told the GTV runs similar suspension to a Sports/VRX, including a rear swaybar.
The AWD will handle better. Both should come with a rear sway bar, if not, you can install a factory one or aftermarket.


I know the GTV has a lot more kit, i.e. leather, Nardi wheel, sat nav etc but I'd be happy to tart up an Ei AWD to look like a GTVI if it tackles the corners better.
You can get a KJ Xi AWD with leather, rear sway bar, sunroof, the only stuff you definitely won't get is the GTV engine (same as Sports), Nardi gear, satnav and black leather interior. But since you already have an AWD, I think you should go for the GTV. Having said all that, I don't actually have any experience with either model

The AWD will handle better. Both should come with a rear sway bar, if not, you can install a factory one or aftermarket.

You can get a KJ Xi AWD with leather, rear sway bar, sunroof, the only stuff you definitely won't get is the GTV engine (same as Sports), Nardi gear, satnav and black leather interior. But since you already have an AWD, I think you should go for the GTV. Having said all that, I don't actually have any experience with either model

Rarner, I'm 99% sure there never existed a KJ Xi AWD. Please correct me if I am wrong, but they only came in Ei.

IMO: Get a KL/W GTVi AWD. It has the luxuries of a GTV and the performance of a VRX AWD.

e.g. here (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Mitsubishi-Verada-2005/SSE-AD-2617989/?Cr=0&sdmvc=1)

Rarner, I'm 99% sure there never existed a KJ Xi AWD. Please correct me if I am wrong, but they only came in Ei.

IMO: Get a KL/W GTVi AWD. It has the luxuries of a GTV and the performance of a VRX AWD.

Yeah my bad sorry only came in Ei

The AWD will handle better. Both should come with a rear sway bar, if not, you can install a factory one or aftermarket.

You can get a KJ Xi AWD with leather, rear sway bar, sunroof, the only stuff you definitely won't get is the GTV engine (same as Sports), Nardi gear, satnav and black leather interior. But since you already have an AWD, I think you should go for the GTV. Having said all that, I don't actually have any experience with either model

All Xi cars are FWD. The only Verada with AWD is the AWD Ei. Leather was optional, as was the sunroof. Rarely fitted. If you bought an AWD Verada, $1000 will get you a newish nardi wheel and shifter from japan, sat nav, and the leather. Sunroof is an Xi only standard thing, most GTV cars didn't have it fitted.

$1000 will get you a newish nardi wheel and shifter from japan, sat nav, and the leather

I got my Nardi wheel, airbag and shifter for $155 :ninja:
As for the leather, are you talking about the typical ebay set? or is there elsewhere it can be obtained?
And the sat nav, why bother? Grab a Nexus 7. MUCH nicer than an old GPS unit, up to date, and probably cheaper. Plus it can double as a full media center, internet browser, tethering for passengers etc etc. It can be mounted flush behind the center console if one is willing to fabricate a mount for it (an amp would be required to power the speakers)

I got my Nardi wheel, airbag and shifter for $155 :ninja:
As for the leather, are you talking about the typical ebay set? or is there elsewhere it can be obtained?
And the sat nav, why bother? Grab a Nexus 7. MUCH nicer than an old GPS unit, up to date, and probably cheaper. Plus it can double as a full media center, internet browser, tethering for passengers etc etc. It can be mounted flush behind the center console if one is willing to fabricate a mount for it (an amp would be required to power the speakers)

I think you are completely missing the point.

The $1000 option was from the factory.

Thanks for the advoce guys.

Yeah the KJ AWD was only in Ei spec, so to make it comparable to a GTV I'd have to grab the extra kit second hand or fabricated. I'd probably prefer to do that anyway, as I've been having a lot of fun doing up the TJ AWD slowly (pics to come). I guess I was curious about the GTV's handling as a FWD, especially since the feedback on this forum seems to be that a rear swaybar 'transforms' the FWD Magnas and Veradas into much better handlers.

GTV gear seems to get snapped up pretty quickly second hand though so you could be in for a lengthy/expensive ordeal if you wanted to retrofit all the goodies out of a GTV into a different Magna.

Handling is an acquired taste... I'd suggest driving both to see how you feel. Some members swear by their AWD Magnas.... others don't. Drive both and see what you think!

I got my Nardi wheel, airbag and shifter for $155 :ninja:


Where from as I'm looking for a wheel and airbag. Sorry to highjack

Where from as I'm looking for a wheel and airbag. Sorry to highjack

I used to import them direct from Japan. They are low klm examples so the leather isn't worn at all and therefore worth getting. While one bloke got his for $150 ish, doesn't mean that every one should be that price of course.

In any event, use Japanese ebay, and look into a private importer. They have to be crafty to supply the wheel with the airbag and making sure the firing pin is included. They are not usually allowed on planes for transport.

Side note : the Nardi wheels were left over stock back in the day from an expired wagon contract for Japanese Domestic Market. So they were limited optional equipment. All GTV/GTVi in KJ got it, and then lots of AWD Veradas got them factory fit. Mine certainly did.

Mike

Nardi is so last decade. I like my thick perforated leather upholstered steering wheel. Mcada, any reason you are sticking with KJII? There are heaps of improvements in the KW GTVi AWD compared to the KJII. As for SatNav, better to get after market 2Din units or portable ones. Also, all engines from TJ/KJ Series 2 onwards are the same. The extra performance is solely from the exhaust.

Also, all engines from TJ/KJ Series 2 onwards are the same. The extra performance is solely from the exhaust.
You saying a TL VR-X has the same engine as a TJ2 Executive?

You saying a TL VR-X has the same engine as a TJ2 Executive?

Yes.

In TJ/KJ series 1, the difference between the regular and Sports/VRX was 13kW. TJ/KJ series 2 had the same cam and tune so bumped the base power from 150kW to 155kW so the difference was only 8kW which is solely the exhaust.

Differences in power between the FWD and RWDs are again due to exhaust restrictions. The AWD Ei was only 1kW less than the AWD magna 154kW vs 155kW due to the exhaust not playing a great deal where as in the sports variants, because the extra power came from the free flowing exhaust, the restrictions imposed by the 180 degree about-turn of the rear bank secondary, robbed more power, 159kw vs 163kW. Simply fitting the HM Headers will return the lost power plus a couple more.

You saying a TL VR-X has the same engine as a TJ2 Executive?

Identical.

Vlad, I know the KL/KWs had a raft of improvements and refinements. Unfortunately, call me picky or whatever, but I can't seem to like the Oliver Boulay front end on the newer cars. I've tried to like it, but it just doesn't do anything for me, not like the TJ/KJ's.

As for wheels etc, I've seen some decent examples of JDM stuff on Japanese eBay, as well as US domestic market. Worth a look.

My TJ has the Gonzo beak.
My TL has the Oliver Boulay designed Jimmy Durante snozzle.

(Google "Gonzo" and "Jimmy Durante" if those words are strange to you. lol)

I like neither, but I don't see them when I drive. The engine and gearbox compensate for the design idiocyncracies. lol

Nardi is so last decade. I like my thick perforated leather upholstered steering wheel. Mcada, any reason you are sticking with KJII? There are heaps of improvements in the KW GTVi AWD compared to the KJII. As for SatNav, better to get after market 2Din units or portable ones. Also, all engines from TJ/KJ Series 2 onwards are the same. The extra performance is solely from the exhaust.

Nardi is so last decade in the sense that so is the car it was designed for. Nardi's suit the more classic (lol) styling of the KJ best, but the leather perforated ones are a bit newer looking (If not as good, just my two cents) and suit the newer looking KL/KW design. I like the styling of the Nardi maple wood and leather upholstery, the little metal blue Nardi badge and just the general shape, it is a fantastic wheel to look at and use.

Undeniably though, the KW AWD GTVi is a very good car. I personally think the KJ is better looking, but the KW is of course AWD, newer, safer, probably other minor enhancements as well. It's a better practical choice without a doubt.

... Unfortunately, call me picky or whatever, but I can't seem to like the Oliver Boulay front end on the newer cars. I've tried to like it, but it just doesn't do anything for me, not like the TJ/KJ's...
Thats a polarised topic and subjective, but i struggle with it too. I still prefer the older styling although i do appreciate the new. I think they could have improved the styling with a few simple tweaks of the panel seam lines. I've noticed younger people seem to prefer the later style (if asked).

The bigger issue for me is the smaller profile bumpers on the KL compared with my KH. The KH looks much better, more prestige, and i never had problems parking it.
Um, anyhow, sorry to go further off topic.

Yeah it's definitely subjective and a personal choice, as far as looks go.

I did notice the reduced bumper profile on the KL/KWs. Later design language in cars seems to favour less overhang...

Yeah it's definitely subjective and a personal choice, as far as looks go.

I did notice the reduced bumper profile on the KL/KWs. Later design language in cars seems to favour less overhang...
Mcada, the short bumpers were only on the KL which used standard magna bumpers. Won't find the equivalent in the US. The KW has the extended bumpers with side reflectors. Look carefully and you will notice a ledge at the front compared with magnas.

Mcada, the short bumpers were only on the KL which used standard magna bumpers. Won't find the equivalent in the US. The KW has the extended bumpers with side reflectors. Look carefully and you will notice a ledge at the front compared with magnas.
Ah, thats true! I wonder if the KW bumper can be easily fitted to a KL?