Whats the big deal with long wheelbase model?

[unclejemima]

Everyone always talks about the long wheelbase model as "the" thing to get.
Is this because they are more rare, or are they better off road. I would assume they have more interior/cargo space...? Is there more seating or different seating arrangement in the LWB?

Are there any markings to show that it is a long wheelbase (decals or such)? Did the LWB come in the Excede, Super Excede and Royal Excede?

Just wondering what all the hype is about and how to distinguish it from a typical short wheelbase model.

[Mr. Flibble]

The LWB is 2 feet longer (I have one). The royal exceeds are always LWB. The LWB is worse offroad than the SWB due to the longer wheelbase and worse departure angle (the back sticks out more, and is more prone to catch on things than the SWB).

That being said, the total difference is about 2 feet, so it comes down to how much you care about that extra storage space behind the rear seats.

The way I tell the difference between a LWB and a SWB by looking at them is by looking at the very rear window. The window is larger in the LWB because the back is longer - and the "split" between the rear window is different.

Here is a photo of my LWB Royal: http://walford.ca/Delica_in_Japan/Delic ... t_Side.jpg

And here is a photo of a SWB: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/c ... -early.jpg

Notice how the rear window looks larger in one, and smaller in the other. Plus, the split "is above the wheel" in the SWB and in front of the wheel in the LWB.

Apparently the LWB drives more like a bus, and the SWB more like a car. Only having the LWB I am not certain how true this is.

[unclejemima]

Hey great, thanks for the reply.

So if i understand correctly, the long wheelbase model has the same seating arrangements and layout, only that there is 2ft more space behind the 3row of seats.

Is this correct?

Would it be safe to say for every 5 SWB to 1 LWB?

Thanks,

[ShaneA]

Actually it's about 20" longer and not all of that extra space is behind the rear seats. About 8" is in front of the rear seats, so there is more leg room for the seats and it's about an extra foot of storage behind the seats.

The seating arrangements are the same for both SWB and LWB. Either come with the 50/50 spit rear seat and a middle bench or two captain chairs.

I've driven both the LWB and SWB. I didn't find much of a difference at all. Both drive more "car-like" than the L300. The SWB feels slightly more nimble, but the LWB feels slightly more stable on the highway. The LWB has a worse turning radius so parking lots and tight streets require a bit more attention. I have no problem parking in those narrow "small car" spots at the mall as long as it's long enough.

From what I see on the street I see maybe 3 SWB to 2 LWB, but that's just a guess.

Shane

[jessef]

Here you go.

Simple format LWB vs SWB :

-longer exterior
-longer wheelbase
-18 to 20" of extended interior length
-higher spec'd accessories available (Royal Exceed)

Pro's :
- all of the above
- handles better on highway and slick surfaces (rain/snow/gravel roads)

Con's :
- cost is usually higher as they are harder to find a good condition one
- longer wheelbase = shorter turning radius and can high center easier
- longer rear end = less of a departure angle


Simple search in the L400 section :

http://www.delica.ca/forum/swb-compared ... difference

I've had time to play around with both as fortunate as I was.

My observations :

Driving SWB -

SWB is more nimble compared to the LWB. It is shorter, thus feels and drives smaller. I prefer the SWB in the city. It's easy to maneuver and fits in area where my ol' L300 and 'normal' car sizes fit.

Off road the SWB again feels like a smaller, wider footprint. The approach angle on both is the same, whereas the departure angle is considerably longer on the LWB. The SWB wheelbase (110 inches), front axle to rear axle, is shorter than the LWB wheelbase (118 inches). 8 inches may not seem like much but it's noticeable when making very tight turns or maneuvering around side/large obstacles.

If you're doing mild (mud/ATV trails) to serious (ditches/rock faces/decents), then the SWB is the one for you.


Driving LWB -

LWB is more stable compared to the SWB. It is longer, thus feels and drives like a larger vehicle. I prefer the LWB on the highway and long distance travelling. It's very predictable and highway manners are excellent. The longer wheelbase, longer body and heavier weight make it feel very planted. It would be my preference if I would be driving lots of highway as well as snow. Longer wheelbase vehicles handle sliding/snow/ice better than identically setup short wheelbase vehicles.

Off road the LWB feels different than the SWB. Driving in AWD mode on loose gravel logging roads, the LWB is very noticeably more stable. The longer wheelbase tracks very well on loose surfaces. The departure angle is greater/longer on the LWB, so some extra caution would be required if following a SWB or L300 offroad. Sharp turns that would be done in a 3-point turn on a SWB would be approximately done within 4-5 point turn on a LWB. It's a small difference which does not matter to me. You just adjust your offroad driving style.

If you're doing city/highway to mild offroading (logging roads, snow covered roads) and want a 'planted' feel, then the LWB is the one for you.

Interior :

The interior room between the two models is noticeably different.

Looking back from the driver's seat, the LWB looks like it just goes on forever to the rear tailgate. The SWB looks like the van's been clipped in half. It's quite noticeable.

Depending on which model you get, you can improvise for the lack of extra room in certain SWB models.

Rear-most seats on all models are the same. 50/50 split, vertically folds away, seats 3 large adults comfortably.

Our LWB had captain's chairs whereas the SWB has a 2-person bench seat in the middle as well as a jump seat which is legal. This model seats 8 legally versus 7 with the captain's chairs.

The jumpseat has both a lap belt and shoulder belt when unfolded in the seating position.

Also, to my surprise, the middle bench does a number of fancy moves.

The middle 2-person bench sits on a circular pod (under the seat) which can be maneuvered in different positions.

You can face the front as normal and slide the bench back and forth along the track which is welded into the circular base.

You can spin the entire bench 360* degrees to face either side of the van and slide it flush against the wall of the van.

This opens up a large area in the middle.

I test fit some humans and mountain bikes. I was able to get 5 humans and 5 full sized mountain bikes with all wheels still on inside the SWB base model with room for gear, etc... I was not able to do this on the LWB with captain's chairs.

Now to the room. LWB is much longer. Folding up the rearmost seats in their vertical storage positions and sliding the captain's chairs all the way to the front (back of the front seats), you can spin the captain's chairs around 360* degrees as well as folding up the base of the chair to create a low profile footprint. This opens up the whole floor on the LWB. Tons of room for two and gear.

The SWB is just smaller in the length department. The SWB with captain's chairs in my opinion feels a bit cramped compared to the SWB with the revolving bench.

I personally prefer the LWB as a whole. The extra room and the multiple seating arrangements are really cool. I had 6 adults, one baby, a baby carriage in the rear, inflatable kayak, camping gear, coolers, etc... all in the LWB. With all of that, the people in the back were still able to get up and walk around as well as the passenger/driver can walk back and mingle.

That alone was really cool to have so many people and so much gear, yet not feel cramped. It made for a nice weekend with the family.

Right now we've got a SWB and it's cute and different. I like it, but prefer the LWB. My other half prefers Pajero's but started to take a liking to the SWB due to it's nimble feel and small size.

I can take pictures, etc.. if anyone is interested.

[manic29]

I think the best way to tell the SWB and LWB apart is the amount of body panel between the back edge of the sliding door and the rear wheel fender edge. The SWB has basically none, the door ends at the fender. The LWB has about 6" of body panel there.

To add to the CONS, I hear the LWB is quite a bit heavier.

And on the PRO side, you don't have to remove the rear seat head rests to fold the seats up to the side.

[roadie]

And here I thought it was only 4" longer !!!!
Honestly, if the extra space was behind the 3rd row, that would be awesome. I have the short wheel base and the room between rows is very good. Would I pay extra for a LWB ?? I'd rather spend the cash on a SWB with less kms on it...or dual sliding doors....or a 5 speed.