I have been digging on the forum for any good info on LC 200 vs LX570 and came up with hardly anything. I'd like there to be a comprehensive thread where some mechanical folks like Bjowett help inform from a perspective of similar modifications and pros/cons.
Things like, "it costs more" are not helpful as that is quite obvious.
Some modifications the LC allows will work and others will be difficult. For example, the running boards are more integrated such that removal leaves an unfinished look to the lower sill. This is fixable but an issue.
I don't really want to sport a big "L" out in the world but regardless, a few things that appeal to me on the LX are:
1-quieter inside ? - if actually true and if not something easily augmented on the LC by using the appropriate materials found in the industry for sound damping.
2-higher quality leather? If it's thicker or more durable, not just visual aesthetic of the dye lasting longer.
3-the ride is more compliant due to the dampers, but I'd like to know more about the reliability of the dampers
4-reliability of the cool X-AHC system. Unlike my air suspension, it looks like total failure, say due to computer problem, would only result in annoyance, not being fairly stuck off road or riding bump stops on road. A real reason this is an issue on a Land Rover is that if running a tire larger than stock, the tire will stuff so tight that you will not even be able to roll on flat ground let alone get off a trail.
5-why is towing rating so much lower? The frame looks identical as does the solid rear axle.
6-regarding the steel coil springs, I do wonder if they have to be "lighter" to allow the X-AHC system push them around. (not having a LC and LX side by side I'm not sure but the LX springs do look thinner) There are a few implications here, possibly the lower tow rating but also loading capacity.
7-how the heck does the vehicle raise/lower? The dampers are charged to be softer or stiffer (sport, normal, comfort) but that's not usually a lifting mechanism so I'm not seeing how the lift/lower works yet, and therefor any implications should that system fail.
8-I wish either vehicle could be ordered without the DVD junk as both are in the way of using the vehicle as I do. The LC more so with it in the ceiling and ripping it out would leave an ugly patch while removing the LX headrest versions would leave the seat back a little odd.
9-I like the idea of an awesome sound system while not paying Bang & Olufsen pricing. (Audi S8 has 19 speakers and 1400 watts)
10-the main reason for the LX is the suspension, which oddly may be the main reason against it for some people. I like cruising 3000 miles lower, more aero, more stable, etc, etc. then having the ability to lift higher when needed. Even running bigger tires will work lower while on the highway because it's essentially flatter and reigned in. Then when needed on a rugged road or light trail, you lift up to allow for more tire movement. Seems ideal doesn't it?
It would be interesting to compare bottom of frame/rear diff on the LC vs LX both at factory settings highway height, then AHC lifted vs the usual OME medium or HD spring lift. Accounting for tire size, etc.
Things like, "it costs more" are not helpful as that is quite obvious.
Some modifications the LC allows will work and others will be difficult. For example, the running boards are more integrated such that removal leaves an unfinished look to the lower sill. This is fixable but an issue.
I don't really want to sport a big "L" out in the world but regardless, a few things that appeal to me on the LX are:
1-quieter inside ? - if actually true and if not something easily augmented on the LC by using the appropriate materials found in the industry for sound damping.
2-higher quality leather? If it's thicker or more durable, not just visual aesthetic of the dye lasting longer.
3-the ride is more compliant due to the dampers, but I'd like to know more about the reliability of the dampers
4-reliability of the cool X-AHC system. Unlike my air suspension, it looks like total failure, say due to computer problem, would only result in annoyance, not being fairly stuck off road or riding bump stops on road. A real reason this is an issue on a Land Rover is that if running a tire larger than stock, the tire will stuff so tight that you will not even be able to roll on flat ground let alone get off a trail.
5-why is towing rating so much lower? The frame looks identical as does the solid rear axle.
6-regarding the steel coil springs, I do wonder if they have to be "lighter" to allow the X-AHC system push them around. (not having a LC and LX side by side I'm not sure but the LX springs do look thinner) There are a few implications here, possibly the lower tow rating but also loading capacity.
7-how the heck does the vehicle raise/lower? The dampers are charged to be softer or stiffer (sport, normal, comfort) but that's not usually a lifting mechanism so I'm not seeing how the lift/lower works yet, and therefor any implications should that system fail.
8-I wish either vehicle could be ordered without the DVD junk as both are in the way of using the vehicle as I do. The LC more so with it in the ceiling and ripping it out would leave an ugly patch while removing the LX headrest versions would leave the seat back a little odd.
9-I like the idea of an awesome sound system while not paying Bang & Olufsen pricing. (Audi S8 has 19 speakers and 1400 watts)
10-the main reason for the LX is the suspension, which oddly may be the main reason against it for some people. I like cruising 3000 miles lower, more aero, more stable, etc, etc. then having the ability to lift higher when needed. Even running bigger tires will work lower while on the highway because it's essentially flatter and reigned in. Then when needed on a rugged road or light trail, you lift up to allow for more tire movement. Seems ideal doesn't it?
It would be interesting to compare bottom of frame/rear diff on the LC vs LX both at factory settings highway height, then AHC lifted vs the usual OME medium or HD spring lift. Accounting for tire size, etc.