It seems like the GQ and GU Patrols have quite a dedicated following in Australia. AFAIK, the diffs and axles are stronger than an 80 series, but they're also a bit heavier.
I often wonder why they were never brought to the US. Maybe since the petrol engines were pretty lackluster and they wouldn't bring the diesels here for whatever reason like Toyota.
Definitely popular, and almost every bit on par with the Landcruiser if the same era.
In my terms of diffs bring stronger, Nissan had larger/stronger crown wheel and pinion gear sets, but birfs were smaller and have a small workable turn radius.
Suspension link geometry is not as good on a patrol.
The patrols were less refined, design and styling was a bit behind the curve where as Toyota was a bit ahead with a sleek curvy design when all other 4x4 were square and boxy.
If you compare Nissan Patrol and Toyota Landcruiser if the same vintage, there's pros and cons for both.
Both extremely tough and durable, well designed, pretty much on par in terms of off-road capability. Very similar in terms of overall design and functionality.
My uncle had a diesel patrol that he eventually handed down to his daughter. Last I knew, she still had it, and it has 700+k km on it. Everything original, (except minor maintenance)and it had been used for touring around every state in Australia for decades.
The other 4x4s that can't be ignored in Australia are Landrovers. Landrover Defender, Discovery's, and Range Rovers were all popular, and very capable off-road, though reliability is certainly not on par with Japanese vehicles. And styling and design ergonomics and functionality were kind of stone age.