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914PAW



Member Since: 01 Feb 2021
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 14

United Kingdom 2003 Defender 90 2.5 TD XS CSW Baltic Blue
D250 v D300
Hi there, we are looking at replacing our 2019 RRS with a 110 Defender, and trying to navigate the options for new and used is a little bewildering! One question I haven’t been able to answer is the difference between the two 6 cylinder diesel engines. I think the 300 is similar to the engine we have in the RRS although I’ve been told by the dealer the current models are straight 6’s rather than a V6? We’ve driven the 300 albeit in a discovery and it was suitably brisk, but I can’t find a D250 to test drive near us. So I wondered if those that have driven both can share their thoughts on the differences?
Many thanks.
Post #1003569 10th Aug 2023 7:04am
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Moo



Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 1359

Ukraine 
I tried both and got a D250. Its plenty quick enough and pulls well. I've done two fast trips to Milan in it sense October and lost of mixed driving and towing in the UK. I think it's the right engine for the car.

I really can't see the point in getting a D300, but thats my view. Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.
Post #1003574 10th Aug 2023 8:16am
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XplusYplusZ



Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 484

You probably already recognised this, but The D250 and D300 share the same engine. The engine is indeed a straight 6, not a terrible noise pumped into the cabin, but probably not as refined as a v6. (I assume the straight 6 was more adaptable).

I agree with Moo - the D300 is obviously a touch brisker on paper. The brakes are mandatorily the bigger variety in the D300. The D250 can have 18" wheels with smaller brakes, or 20" wheels with larger brakes, so that's something to look out for. For the D300 the 18"s aren't an option.

The D250 is definitely swift enough for such a lump (7 seconds 0-60 is as quick many large saloons), with great torque. It probably doesn't handle corners quite as well as the RRS! If you care about economy, the D250 is probably slightly better.

Some folks on here go for the D300 if they do a lot of towing, but almost an equal percentage agree the D250 will get the job done without much concern.

Either way, you will probably notice a considerable drop in cabin quality - "utilitarian" is JLR speak for partial leather seats, and less leather. Look for the HSE / Windsor Leather if you're still after those creature comforts. But equally, you'll likely get a little more kudos at the petrol station.

One further plus - the pivi-pro system is the same in the Defender and the new RRs, so the brains of the car are pretty much the same.
Post #1003580 10th Aug 2023 9:59am
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senwar



Member Since: 30 Apr 2023
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 9

United Kingdom 
I opted for a D250 90 over a D300 - basically the long and short of it was the extra power was the only difference for an extra £3k and didn't feel justified in that extra spend.

Saying that I have a D200 2.0 Velar so each engine is more powerful
Post #1003582 10th Aug 2023 10:09am
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cozz



Member Since: 15 May 2013
Location: nottingham
Posts: 535

I went from a 90 HT (200bhp). to a 110 (300bhp). noticeable difference, effortless cruising and towing
Post #1003695 10th Aug 2023 9:49pm
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Moo



Member Since: 01 Oct 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 1359

Ukraine 
I think most people would notice a 100 bhp uplift. Laughing Thumbs Up Eiger Grey MY23 D250 SE with bits. Known as Noddy.
Post #1003697 10th Aug 2023 10:06pm
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Arlo



Member Since: 05 Jul 2020
Location: Sterksel
Posts: 12

Netherlands 
Hi,
Towing with the D300 is great. Also the benefits of bigger brakes can help to make your choice.
Post #1003711 11th Aug 2023 5:20am
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 716

United Kingdom 
XplusYplusZ wrote:
The engine is indeed a straight 6, not a terrible noise pumped into the cabin, but probably not as refined as a v6. (I assume the straight 6 was more adaptable).

A Straight 6 should be more refined as it is naturally balanced. V6's are typically unbalanced and require balancing shafts or counter weights.
Post #1003732 11th Aug 2023 9:21am
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XplusYplusZ



Member Since: 16 Aug 2021
Location: UK
Posts: 484

Good point - I was thinking more about engine note / burble.

Engineering wise, a straight 6 is nicely balanced, whereas the v6 inherently wants to shake itself apart.
Post #1003745 11th Aug 2023 10:48am
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lightning



Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 2749

United Kingdom 
Arlo wrote:
Hi,
Towing with the D300 is great. Also the benefits of bigger brakes can help to make your choice.


Towing our caravan with the D250 is also really good, despite being the basic specification the brakes are superb, the engine pulls like a train (l've never needed full power)
And stability in my 90 is pretty much flawless.
Post #1003782 11th Aug 2023 3:34pm
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Sion



Member Since: 27 Jun 2016
Location: Mold
Posts: 7

 
I test drove both the D250 and D300. The power difference is quite noticeable. The D250 is great and you don't need more really, but I couldn't resist the extra power of the D300 for that overtaking and towing capability.
Post #1003962 13th Aug 2023 12:31pm
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stevemfr



Member Since: 18 Sep 2022
Location: Strasbpurg
Posts: 137

France 
Apparently, the only difference between the D200, 250 and 300 is software.

I have a D250. We'll see. Cool

Quite happy to have the smaller brakes, btw, as I'll be running 18s and off road tires. 
RRC 2Dr, RRC 4Dr,
P38, and 2 L322s,
2 FL1s and a L663 on the way
Post #1004079 14th Aug 2023 1:14pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 716

United Kingdom 
Sion wrote:
I test drove both the D250 and D300. The power difference is quite noticeable. The D250 is great and you don't need more really, but I couldn't resist the extra power of the D300 for that overtaking and towing capability.


Wikipedia says 8.0sec 0-62mph for the D250 and 6.7sec for the D300, which is quite a difference. Although I guess one of the times might be a 0-60mph not 62mph, so the gap could be closer.

But if they are the same stat, the D300 would seem to be quite a bit quicker.
Post #1004084 14th Aug 2023 1:38pm
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Chicken Drumstick



Member Since: 17 Aug 2020
Location: Near MK
Posts: 716

United Kingdom 
stevemfr wrote:
Apparently, the only difference between the D200, 250 and 300 is software.

I have a D250. We'll see. Cool

Quite happy to have the smaller brakes, btw, as I'll be running 18s and off road tires.

Would certainly be interesting to know if the D250 is only a remap away from a D300. Although I know sometimes things like turbos, injectors or other specs can be different sometimes.
Post #1004085 14th Aug 2023 1:39pm
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lightning



Member Since: 23 Apr 2009
Location: High Peak, Derbyshire
Posts: 2749

United Kingdom 
Chicken Drumstick wrote:
Sion wrote:
I test drove both the D250 and D300. The power difference is quite noticeable. The D250 is great and you don't need more really, but I couldn't resist the extra power of the D300 for that overtaking and towing capability.


Wikipedia says 8.0sec 0-62mph for the D250 and 6.7sec for the D300, which is quite a difference. Although I guess one of the times might be a 0-60mph not 62mph, so the gap could be closer.

But if they are the same stat, the D300 would seem to be quite a bit quicker.


Well, it's effectively 20% more power, similar increase to a stage 1 remap.
Post #1004139 14th Aug 2023 8:48pm
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