Delica Canada | Mitsubishi Van Club

Hello again;
I still am looking and deciding what things I need/want in a van. It seems for me the high roof, no crystal, automatic tranny fits me well. If I buy locally, I know where I will look and price it, and get servicing done. (Did I say I lived near Coombs?)
BUT do I really want a Delica, or a Pajero?
My question is why did everyone here choose a Delica over a Pajero? Do they have the same running gear? Pajero seems much more refined and comfortable unless of course you want to haul around 8 people all the time. (which I don't).
So, what does the Delica have that the Pajero doesn't, and vise versa?
Thanks

PcSpecialist

It's hip to be square! :D

PC,
I have both a Delica and a Pajero. I guess I couldn't decide.
My wife drives the Deli most of the time and I drive the Pajero. The Pajero in my opinion is a better vehicle than the Delica. It has an AWD system, also 4x4 and a central locking differential. Suspension seats, alot more luxuries and comforts. Because of the Delica's axel being under the seats it is a way rougher ride, also the Pajero has more parts cross over with the Montero (windshields, trim, mirrors ect..) The Delica is better for sleeping and camping. I guess I may have confused you more.

Nope, that is exactly the kind of info that I am hoping for. Which is more comfortable ON the road, and which perfoms better OFF the road? The Pajero comes in both 2 and 4 door versions. Obviously the smaller 2 door will be better off road, but the 4 door will probably ride better on the highway, AND is probably long enough to sleep in on an occasional trip.
Are the engines and transmissions exactly the same in all 3 vehicles?

Thanks for any info I can gather.

PcSpecialist

So, what does the Delica have that the Pajero doesn't, and vise versa?

length and height inside... if my requirements hadn't included enough room to lie down in the back I could have grabbed any old SUV already available in north america cheaper than the Delica, however the only SUVs in north america that are long enough to lie down in are also HUGE gas guzzlers, and they also have less head room in back, I needed a vehicle I could comfortably camp in, among other things, and there is no north american vehicle that comes close.

I'll check the tag in the firewall of both vehicles and let you know transmission info, but the engines are exactly the same: 4D56 and the Pajero transmission is V5MT1 for the Manual one. Somebody else chime in if you know the Delica transmission # or I'll get it in the morning.

I agree with what Ronin says - the Pajero is more refined on the road with its longer wheelbase and 'suspension' seats.....

.....however, the MAJOR factor in owning a Delica (something that no one else seems to have picked up on! ) is the character these motors have!

A Pajero isn't a million miles from other motors like Isuzu Bighorn/Trooper, Toyota Hilux Surf, Nissan Mistral/Terrano etc...

What is there that actually compares to a Delica?? :D (see where I'm coming from? )

On top of that you have a much more flexible interior with a LOT more space in a shorter and narrower vehicle than a LWB Paj!

The Deli can carry 4 or 5 (7 or 8 seater) in comfort while carrying a MASSIVE amount of luggage or 7/8 people in comfort with a fair amount of luggage, and they've still got more room and comfort than in a Paj.

With a Deli you get a car that you still find excuses to drive after owning it 4 years! The looks are kinda 'ugly but cool' utilitarian amphibious swamp monster expedition trekker thing! A Pajero looks.....like a 4X4!

The ride is quite nice really....every drive I've ever had, it feels like an adventure. The horizontal 'truck like' steering wheel, the 'cab forward' seating, the cosy penned in feel of the cabin and the slightly bouncy ride, all go to make you sit back and appreciate the drive in a 'we get there when we get there' chilled out way rather than 'when are we going to get there' feeling that most other cars give you.

It's something that only really comes out in the car through ownership, not just a quick test drive! I can see why a lot of people buy Pajeros over Delica's (here in the UK anyway) because the initial test drive gives a better impression - but trust me when I say that a Delica is a real 'grower' and its hidden strengths come out more and more as you live with one.

I know many (and I do mean MANY!) people who have traded up to a Delica from a Pajero - but have NEVER heard of ANYONE doing it the other way! Maybe that says something about the power of the Deli! :D

Search your feelings - you know it to be true.... :lol:

Regards,

Bruce. (a totally impartial and totally unbiased fan of all things Delica! )

couldn't have said that better myself.

The looks are kinda 'ugly but cool' utilitarian amphibious swamp monster expedition trekker thing!

funny you should say that... everyone I talk to compares the Delica to the tour buses they make for running around on glaciers:

Can I fit those tires on

after driving a Land Crusier LJ78 for the last year my wife's truck lost it's head (very common problem with these units). she is now driving a 1989 Pajero and she really likes it. she drove a couple Delicas but found them to be too sensitive to the chinook winds in Calgary. the Pajero is sure footed unit.
me, if i was a bit smaller i would like the Delica. i love the looks of them and the looks they get from people that see them...

i will be sticking to the cruisers for now...