Prado 150 vs LC100/105 size arguments

[Spark45 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spark45]

Hi guys,

I think I must be missing something here.

Its a common topic around 'should I get a prado 150 or lc 100' as they're similar money.

Pros and cons go back and forth but one that always comes up is the prado is

'better for city driving'
'easier to park'
'better for getting around narrow streets'

etc. etc. all points revolving around size.

Looking at wiki though they're basically identical in size as far as foot print goes.

lc100 length = 4890mm
prado 150 length = 4855mm

prado =35mm shorter.


lc100 width = 1941mm
prado 150 width = 1938mm

prado = 3 mm thinner.


lc100 height = 1849mm
prado 150 height = 1845mm

prado =4mm



So the prado is just 3cm shorter and the other dimensions don't even warrant mentioning really, they are so small.

The 100 is definitely bulkier to look at but as far as getting through a lane or into a parking space they're basically identical.

Am I missing something or are people just talking out there ass after thinking the LC looks a lot bigger but isn't really?

[GEEEXL Member Find all posts View Profile Close GEEEXL]

Am I missing something or are people just talking out there ass after thinking the LC looks a lot bigger but isn't really?[/QUOTE]

nope your not missing nuffing

also nuffin like a 6 or v8 cylinder verses a 4!!!

[Spark45 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spark45]

The 4.2 turbo diesel is definitely appealing

[MYT150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close MYT150]

Well I went from a 90 series to the 105 and it was definitely bigger, and last year went to the 150. The 150 compared to the 105 does feel slightly smaller, and does feel more then the measurements suggest. The storage space in the rear is smaller by quite a bit, but the passenger area feels about the same size.

The driving difference is between the 105 (with the live axle front) is different to the 100 with the IFS front end, and to the 150 Prado. The 150 is more refined to drive then the 105 and more comfortable.

The Prado should give better fuel economy and as a result more range. The 105/100 has a higher towing capacity and more power.

Aidan

[arcsnsparks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close arcsnsparks]

Toyota website shows width as 1885. Have a 90 and a 150. The 150 definitely feels bigger and heavier but much nicer to drive but you would expect a difference with one a 1996 model and the other a 2014.

[Guest Close Guest]

If you removed the spare tyre from the 150, the length diff between a 100 and 150 would increase.

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

Internal load dimensions?

And if you're going off the bitumen : Ground clearance? ramp over? Approach and departure angles? Wading depth?

[Spark45 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spark45]

Internal load dimensions are not important. There will be enough in either vehicle.

The car is going to be used for off roading. Camping, hunting, and in due course a trip around central and the eastern half of Australia.

However for me it is about getting to the destination and the 4WD is a means to an ends, it's not about the 4WDing itself and I won't be going out of my way to find difficult runs or intentionally tackling anything 'hard' as far as angles/clearance/wading goes.

What are your thoughts on the Prado 150 vs LC 100 for the last half of your questions there?

[mjrandom Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close mjrandom]

If you removed the spare tyre from the 150, the length diff between a 100 and 150 would increase.

Bonnet is shorter though.

The live axle 100 wanders at highway speed, not as bad as the Nissan but still noticeable compared with the 150. The independent 100 is better but the torsion bar front end isn't as good as the struts in the 150. Performance is very similar as is towing with the same weight behind. The 100 though can pull an extra tonne.

There is more width in the inside of a 100 and it has more space behind the second row seats.

Biggest issue though will be finding a 100 in decent condition with few km on it.

I chose a 120 over the last of the 100s and first of the 200s. Now in a 150 and happy with the Prado. I don't tow more than 1.5t so the extra towing capacity of the big brother isn't important.

[rob_macca67 Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close rob_macca67]

Internal load dimensions are not important. There will be enough in either vehicle.

I don't necessarily agree with that statement, but it will come down to what u use the vehicle for.... For us that love doing remote touring, the Room in the cargo area is Very important. Add to that the ability to add LR fuel Tanks (265ltrs in total I think) & I reckon u have a great Long Range touring vehicle that also has a good towing capacity if needed. Limited Electronics also is a plus.
Fuel economy between the Factory TD 100's and the Prado 150 for long range touring when "fully loaded" will be minimal.

I took the time to do some measurements myself from our 150's and a mates 100's. The measurements will differ from what u read in the Factory brochures, but its the measurements that I was interested in finding out.

I've attached a couple of pics of the difference in measurements between the 2 vehicles. The difference in the front between the doors is only like 50mm, the big difference for us is the cargo area (Less protruding plastic bits in the 100s). The 2nd row seating is a little bit wider for when u have 3 teenage kids sitting in there....

If I had the choice between the 2 vehicles for our situation & with a family of 5 and thinking into the future for a future tow vehicle, I would choose the 100's TD Auto for sure.....

[Spark45 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spark45]

I should have said internal load dimension differences will not be significant for my purposes.

Thanks for the diagrams though, good to know while considering.

[r4ndll Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close r4ndll]

In stock form there's not much difference between the two, or not enough to make a huge difference. In all areas of size they are near enough similar. So other factors come into it. Eg The 100 has a smidge more payload and a 3.5t towing capacity vs the Prado. So things like range, fuel use, comfort etc all come into it, and they are specific to each buyer.

You are going to get a newer, lower KM car in the 150 with more gizmos for the same price as the 100 series. You'll also need to make sure you get a well looked after one or it will cost you more.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

My 2c.

So size isn't an issue, the 150 has enough room for you, so both level there.
Will you be towing, if so how much? If not a lot or at all the 100 has no advantage there either.
You want to do touring type driving so a 105 I would rule out straight away (live axle is no where near as good touring Kms). Both engines in the 100 have electronic controls as does the 150 so level there with engine complexity (more or less)
The 150 is newer, will have less Kms, uses slightly less fuel (unless towing big loads), is cheaper to rego and about the same to insure. Also your choice of 150's is bigger so the chances of getting a "good" one becomes higher.

So, unless you need/want the extra towing capacity and/or the extra internal load area it seems to me a clear cut case. I would buy a 150 (and did). This is just my opinion though, you really should test drive both and form your own. Enjoy

[Spark45 Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spark45]

Towing will be done rarely if ever.

Almost a non-consideration at this point.

[MYT150 Member Find all posts View Profile Close MYT150]

For similar money the 150 will be newer and give a better drive and fuel economy. And as you say it is for getting to a destination rather then 4wding the Prado will be more then capable.