A heretical question - Toyota vs. Nissan?

[tonydca]

A friend of mine is enamoured with my Delica and is keen on the idea of importing a JDM 4x4.

I think his idea of 4x4-ing would be a bit more serious than mine, so his initial lean was towards getting a good quality Toyota LandBruiser with appropriate maintenance done (end-bearings, etc.). A few months ago that would have been my thought too. But...

...having seen the enthusiasm certain members show towards their prized Nissans (and being mighty impressed with the vehicle up close) can anyone offer some insights into pros and cons of the 7-seater Safari vs. 7-seater Land cruiser? (turbo diesel on both - Toyota 1HD-T 168HP/280 ft-lbs/4700 lbs vs. Nissan TD42T 143HP/244 ft-lbs/4500 lbs)

I have googled a few forums, but the hits seem to be one camp ranting on about their own vehicle without much of a side-by-side comparison. Toyotas seem pretty darn popular around the rougher parts of the globe, but if the military has a use for Safaris (other than the 24V electrics) then they can't be all bad.

From what it seems, the Safari is perhaps a more skookum drivetrain vs. the Toyota, but perhaps the Toyota is more reliable/simpler? Yes? No? Other thoughts? The Nissan seems like a bit slower off the mark judging by engine/weight alone, but I think reliability/durability/off-road manners are far more important.

What say you?