jfarsang wrote: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.
