Interior noise, L300 vs. L400

[professorpunishment]

We spent a lot of time on the highway over Christmas -- the first time we've driven day-after-day at highway speeds since we got it in 2007. I found the interior noise just to be just too much for comfort anywhere over 90 km/h, and with the 1994 L400s coming available this year, I can't help but wonder if they are any quieter. Or smoother riding, for that matter. Does anyone know?

BTW, for the cold-weather curious, we were in Timmins, Ontario for about a week and it never warmed up to -20. -30s every night, and with the oil-pan heater plugged in, no problem.

Ian

[delicat]

This is as close as I can help you with your request. It's an older post but it might help you:

http://www.delica.ca/forum/test-drove-l ... light=l400

Good luck with your choice. Just keep in mind that while on a trip in the UK I met Bruce (Mystery Machine) and he and his very experienced mechanic thought the L400 had a lot more issues than the L300...

[jessef]

I've driven both as well.

The L400 is definitely more comfortable and quieter in the front cab while driving compared to the L300. Quite a bit different.

The seats and positions are different as well as the engine is up front so you don't get the 'shaking' like the L300's.

Other than that, they are based on the Pajero/Montero Gen II drivetrain while the L300's are design-based on the 1st Generation Pajero/Montero's.

L400's have larger axles, differentials, 2.8, intercooler, disc brakes, antilock brakes and the interior comfort level is better.

The minor mechanical issues can be overcome if you like to tinker/mod your vehicle.

The only two things that put me off the L400's are the looks and the weight.

To me, they look like a soccer-mom-mini-van and they are heavy pigs for weight.

Even so, I may consider one as a second vehicle. Maryna likes them.

[fexlboi]

We spent a lot of time on the highway over Christmas -- the first time we've driven day-after-day at highway speeds since we got it in 2007. I found the interior noise just to be just too much for comfort anywhere over 90 km/h, and with the 1994 L400s coming available this year, I can't help but wonder if they are any quieter.

Hmm. I can not even remember when I drove over 90 km/h, but you are right it get's noisy. Also the fuel consumption goes through the roof if you go faster than that. I maybe drive faster, if I overtake someone, but other than that I prefer the relaxed way of driving.
Even a L400 is quite like going with an electric car 5mph, I don't like the look at all. A L300 has just much more characteristic.

[Erebus]

I do find it a bit noisy at speed, but much of that is wind noise on the door seals that don't quite do what they name implies. Certainly 120 is much noisier than 90. I didn't find it an issue on our 10,000 km trip this summer except in the afternoons. Turned out Delibear liked to loaf at 80-90 in the mornings, but by mid-afternoon it wanted to run at 110-130 (on pavement). As long as there wasn't a headwind, we just let Delibear run. The comfort and scenery were enough to be able to ignore the noise.

And compared to the noise of doing 40-70 on the gravel/dirt/washboard/potholes/mud of the Dempster, the noise of 130 on pavement is nothing.

[FalcoColumbarius]

When I am at cruising speeds I don't hear the engine at all. What I do hear is "I Mother Earth", and the like.

Falco.

[Chewy]

with the fan running at medium and music volume to hear over the fan, I struggle to hear the engine. The engine is actually remarkably smooth given the fact that A, it's diesel, and B you sit on top of it.

The vibrations that do come through are a nice feedback to let me know what the engine is doing though. Drove a bmw 328is for the better part of a year and despite liking it, I hated the lack of engine feel.

[TardisDeli]

NEWS FLASH: Most whistling noise comes from the driver side mirror - not rain guards. To test: while driving, reach out and wrap your hand around the connection tube atop the mirror, and down to cover the molded dip in the top rear of the mirror. Or just turn the mirror in to face the side of the deli. Silence. Wow. Peace. I'm thinking of bondo in that groove. Anyone else?

Cheers, Christine.

[marsgal42]

I've found two sources of major wind noise in Gumdrop: the sunroof not being latched shut properly, and the little front periscope mirror being at an odd angle. You can certainly hear the engine, but it's only a distant rumble at highway speed, hardly an issue for me.

In many ways it reminds me of the 1965 Ford Country Sedan station wagon we had when I was growing up, also our first family car I drove a significant amount. It had a big block V8 and had much the same rumble/roar at highway speed as Gumdrop. It also had grossly over-assisted steering and brakes. I wondered at the latter, since they were drums all around and you only got one good stop out of them before they faded...

...laura

[professorpunishment]

Thanks to all for your comments. Wind noise is another issue, and certainly adds to the overall noise on a windy day, but driving a box with big rectangle mirrors on the sides... well, this is to be expected. I certainly agree that engine noise is less than you'd expect considering where it is, but still a bit much for me on a long day with music + conversation, especially with people in the back. It's like using an iPod while cutting the grass or something... you can hear the music alright, but the overall volume is a bit much.

I suppose I'll try and test an L400 before taking the plunge. I actually prefer the look, at least in the Chamonix configuration. My wife prefers our L300, and we already have two cars so one of us will have to compromise!

Yes, fuel consumption over 90 km/h is absurd. But I lack patience on long drives, so that's the price. I try to keep the tach at or near 3000 rpm, which depending on wind / hilly areas keeps me between 115 - 125, and I get about 460 km on a tank, I think. Around town driving 50 - 80, much better.

Thanks again. If an L400 "early adopter" happens into the Ottawa area, please let me know!

I.

[DelicaMark]

I recently replaced my front tires with a couple that I got from Loki and the noise level went down a tonne! Radio had to be on about 18 or 19 to here on the highway and now I can hear at 10. If your tires are old and worn and things are little loud maybe think about changing them.

-Mark

[loki]

I recently replaced my front tires with a couple that I got from Loki and the noise level went down a tonne! Radio had to be on about 18 or 19 to here on the highway and now I can hear at 10. If your tires are old and worn and things are little loud maybe think about changing them.

-Mark

glad to hear they are working out for you.

[Golf Cart]

I was thinking of trying out this sound deadening cover. Cover the hump and under the back carpet.

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pts/983239360.html

[Erebus]

I was thinking of trying out this sound deadening cover. Cover the hump and under the back carpet.

I don't really see how a 44 mil or 80 mil sheet of foil can do much sound deadening. Though it might do some thermal insulation, which can help keep stuff in the console cooler. The Delica already has 1/2 inch of foam insulation that does an amazing job of sound deadening.

[FalcoColumbarius]

Much of the noise that comes into the cab is not just from the engine, but from the tyres. This is caused from the even high tread lugs that come with all terrains. Yokohamas have uneven tread lugs which defeat the noise, which is what I have on the MLB. The good thing about this is when one eventually starts getting the tyre noise in the cab it is time to consider replacement. So far at 28,000 kilometres I am not getting this noise.

I also think one must remember what it is we are driving ~ i.e.; Delicas are not town sedans, it is what it is. Just my two bits.

Falco.