Actually I think most of the folks posting in this thread are doing a good job of describing the differences. I think they are both fine vehicles but they are definitely different and excel in different areas.
question about 100 vs 80 series LC
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Here's my $0.02:
Basically, I agree with what others are saying. Having had two 80s and wheeled one of them fairly hard, and now the 100, I can say, IMHO, that in almost every environment, the 80 is a better wheeler. It is also, IMHO, more durable and easier to service in the field, which is an important consideration. I actually do not think it is optimal for "Jeep" trails like the Rubicon, et al, mainly because of the size, but that didn't stop me from bashing mine on those trails. The main thing it can claim over a more focused platform like a SWB Jeep or FJ40, is that you can carry all kinds of passengers and gear in relative luxury on the trail. You can basically live out of the rear hatch. For many (including myself), this is the appeal of the wagons over the SWB trucks. But let's not kid ourselves, an 80 will never be a 40 on the trail. But, again, it makes up for its shortcomings in other ways.
The only reason I bought the 100, to be honest, is that I wanted the latest safety technology available (at the time) for a growing family, but I was hell-bent on driving a Land Cruiser, not a minivan! Fantastic truck, but I still dearly miss my 80. I do have a rig that has sort of replaced the 80 as my "hobby" truck, but it's not a Toyota so I won't bore you all with details.
Basically, I agree with what others are saying. Having had two 80s and wheeled one of them fairly hard, and now the 100, I can say, IMHO, that in almost every environment, the 80 is a better wheeler. It is also, IMHO, more durable and easier to service in the field, which is an important consideration. I actually do not think it is optimal for "Jeep" trails like the Rubicon, et al, mainly because of the size, but that didn't stop me from bashing mine on those trails. The main thing it can claim over a more focused platform like a SWB Jeep or FJ40, is that you can carry all kinds of passengers and gear in relative luxury on the trail. You can basically live out of the rear hatch. For many (including myself), this is the appeal of the wagons over the SWB trucks. But let's not kid ourselves, an 80 will never be a 40 on the trail. But, again, it makes up for its shortcomings in other ways.
The only reason I bought the 100, to be honest, is that I wanted the latest safety technology available (at the time) for a growing family, but I was hell-bent on driving a Land Cruiser, not a minivan! Fantastic truck, but I still dearly miss my 80. I do have a rig that has sort of replaced the 80 as my "hobby" truck, but it's not a Toyota so I won't bore you all with details.
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Everyone kept talking about size. YOu guys make it sound llike it is so much bigger. I have seen some on the road and they seem to be about the same size. If anything, bout couple of inches larger. Am i correct?
Here's my understanding of 80 vs 100 specs. They are the same width and wheel base. The overall length in 4" longer on the 100 series. Also, the 100 gives up 1" of ground clearance. The turning radius is the same. The 100 is 2.5sec quicker to 0-60. Braking is the same. MPG is the about the same with stock tires. I think cargo capacity may be a bit better on the 80, or maybe my buddy is better at loading gear.
My comment on size, at least, applied to BOTH trucks. They're both whales.
For the record, here are the specs according to Toyota (based on a '97 FZJ80 and an '04 UZJ100):
80/100:
overall height: 73.6" / 73.2"
overall width: 76.0" / 76.4"
overall length: 189.8" / 192.5"
wheelbase: 112.2" / 112.2"
track: 62.8F 63.0R / 63.8 F 63.6R
approach angle: 33 degrees / 31 degrees
departure angle: 22 degrees / 24 degrees
minimum ground clearance: 10.8" / 9.8"
curb weight (w/ 3rd row seats): 4850 lbs. / 5390 lbs.
GVWR: 6470 lbs. / 6860 lbs.
Interesting. Though I'm a stats guy I'd never compared the 80 & 100 specs side-by-side; I thought the differences in size were more pronouced than they are. They're pretty darn near the same size.
Why did my 80 "feel" smaller off-road than my 100?
ON EDIT- I think I know why it was in my case...my 80 was an FJ80 from 1991, a little smaller than later 80s...
Also, I believe the dimensions on the 80 include the fender flares. Take those off and the bare sheet metal is actually a fair bit smaller than on a 100. Also, there is a definite weight difference, which probably can be felt on the trail.
Look at the wheels on a LC 105 and tell me they is no difference in width. I have owned and wheeled both and the 100 is wider.
It's the flares. The 80 has 2-3" fender flares before you get to the body and the 100 just has the body at that width.
I concur, its the flares. I have both and the 80 feels alot more cosy inside.
I have a few other notes I would like to make about the 80 VS the 100 series, maybe some of you will find it useful.
--The 100 series has a better location for the shift knob for tall people with long legs. I am always bumping the overdrive button in the 80 and turning off overdrive.
--The 80 series has alot better roof stiffeners for the roof rack than the 100. The 100 look like cheap plastic strips glued to the roof and are not stiff enough for heavy stuff, in my opinion.
--The 80 series has better seats for offroading, i.e. the traditional wraparound feel of the older toyota buckets is not quite there but they definately hold you better then the 100 seats, which feel like they are flat to me and I slide around alot. I am rather slim.
--Both the 80 and the 100 series trailer hitches are to low to to the ground in stock form. You have to use a 2" lift receiver to be even practical.
--The 80 series liftgate feels light and easy to operate, but the tailgate is heavy and cumbersome. The 100 is the opposite, the liftgate is heavy and hard for smaller hands to lift, but the tailgate is well balanced and easy to use.
--The 80 series has better storage in the rear than the 100 (at least than the LX version). The LX storage is great if you are a little kid storing candy but real gear storage??
--The 80 series stereo is pretty spartan.. 100 is much better, though perhaps my 2000 still lacks a bit.
--Throw all the power antennas from all the models away if you want reliable antennas!
--The 80 series lacks rear A/C for passengers. The 100 series got it right here. The 100 also has rear heat. The 80 series only has middle seat heat so tough luck if you sit in the back.
--The split 50/50 middle seat in the 80 is a bad design for small children. You can only use 1 carseat in the row and still be able to access the back seats. What are you supposed to do when you have 4 carseats/boosters? The 3rd row is a squeeze for 3 carseats and a long ways back from mom/dad. 100 is better with the 60/40 middle row.
--Everyone knows the 80 series cupholders are kindoff a joke. Two for a family of 8? The 100 is better, with 6 in the LX.
--A luxury vehicle ought to have armrest in the front buckets I think. The 80 has none, the 2000 LX has one. So you sit lopsided, one arm on the window sill, one on the rest. Whose idea was that?
--The rear windows on the 80 are probably better for the passengers. The 100 is better for the driver as they are power, but barely open for the passengers sake.
--The headlights on the 80 are AWeSOME! best headlights I've ever seen, OEM, on any vehicle. Better then the 100 (00 LX) I have to, as the LX throws queer patches of light on the trees at close quarters which is distracting. All the landcruisers seem to use Glass headlight lenses, which are light years ahead of the plastic junk on american cars that turns yellow in 10 years.
--The 80 had no factory foglights on my 93, but the ones on my 100 LX are nearly useless. They only shine about 15 feet in front of the car. Nice if you are going ten miles per hour but at highways speeds mostly distracting.
--The LX 100 series has fully automatic windows in all respects and all locations except rear sides. This is a huge benefit. I can't believe all cars don't have this feature, it is so nice. Hit the button, and move on to the next task. The 93 80 in contrast you have to re-start the sunroof half way through because it has a safety stop at 80% closed. Even the drivers Auto window is only auto in the down direction.
--Towing- This has already been discussed in other parts of the forum. the 100 has a better tow rating, by 1,000 lbs, and I think it deserves this advantage over the 80. It tows better.
--The 2000 LX I have has 5 hole wheels. A strange departure from the long standing 6 lug pattern Toyota has used for so many years on the 80 and other models. Kind of aggravating, really, as I can't swap wheels/tires from the 80 on the fly.
--Centercaps on the Toy 80 wheels seem to be junk. Lexus 100 caps seem to be much better.
--TRAC is a cool deal on the 100 series. I prefer it for everyday use over e-lockers as it is instant, achieves the same goal and requires no driver input. Obviously e-lockers are better for hard core off-roading. In fact, the VSC, TRAC, and split 60/40 power ratio give an overall much more satisfying drive experience on a daily (and I mean 1,000 miles per week daily for me) driver situation.
--- The third brake light on the 100 is just asking to be destroyed by cargo hanging off the roof rack. The 80 has it right with the light inside the liftgate. I have already broken my 3rd light on the 100.
I will try and add to this list as I have more time. Basically, we have both, like both, and use them for different purposes.
I have a few other notes I would like to make about the 80 VS the 100 series, maybe some of you will find it useful.
--The 100 series has a better location for the shift knob for tall people with long legs. I am always bumping the overdrive button in the 80 and turning off overdrive.
--The 80 series has alot better roof stiffeners for the roof rack than the 100. The 100 look like cheap plastic strips glued to the roof and are not stiff enough for heavy stuff, in my opinion.
--The 80 series has better seats for offroading, i.e. the traditional wraparound feel of the older toyota buckets is not quite there but they definately hold you better then the 100 seats, which feel like they are flat to me and I slide around alot. I am rather slim.
--Both the 80 and the 100 series trailer hitches are to low to to the ground in stock form. You have to use a 2" lift receiver to be even practical.
--The 80 series liftgate feels light and easy to operate, but the tailgate is heavy and cumbersome. The 100 is the opposite, the liftgate is heavy and hard for smaller hands to lift, but the tailgate is well balanced and easy to use.
--The 80 series has better storage in the rear than the 100 (at least than the LX version). The LX storage is great if you are a little kid storing candy but real gear storage??
--The 80 series stereo is pretty spartan.. 100 is much better, though perhaps my 2000 still lacks a bit.
--Throw all the power antennas from all the models away if you want reliable antennas!
--The 80 series lacks rear A/C for passengers. The 100 series got it right here. The 100 also has rear heat. The 80 series only has middle seat heat so tough luck if you sit in the back.
--The split 50/50 middle seat in the 80 is a bad design for small children. You can only use 1 carseat in the row and still be able to access the back seats. What are you supposed to do when you have 4 carseats/boosters? The 3rd row is a squeeze for 3 carseats and a long ways back from mom/dad. 100 is better with the 60/40 middle row.
--Everyone knows the 80 series cupholders are kindoff a joke. Two for a family of 8? The 100 is better, with 6 in the LX.
--A luxury vehicle ought to have armrest in the front buckets I think. The 80 has none, the 2000 LX has one. So you sit lopsided, one arm on the window sill, one on the rest. Whose idea was that?
--The rear windows on the 80 are probably better for the passengers. The 100 is better for the driver as they are power, but barely open for the passengers sake.
--The headlights on the 80 are AWeSOME! best headlights I've ever seen, OEM, on any vehicle. Better then the 100 (00 LX) I have to, as the LX throws queer patches of light on the trees at close quarters which is distracting. All the landcruisers seem to use Glass headlight lenses, which are light years ahead of the plastic junk on american cars that turns yellow in 10 years.
--The 80 had no factory foglights on my 93, but the ones on my 100 LX are nearly useless. They only shine about 15 feet in front of the car. Nice if you are going ten miles per hour but at highways speeds mostly distracting.
--The LX 100 series has fully automatic windows in all respects and all locations except rear sides. This is a huge benefit. I can't believe all cars don't have this feature, it is so nice. Hit the button, and move on to the next task. The 93 80 in contrast you have to re-start the sunroof half way through because it has a safety stop at 80% closed. Even the drivers Auto window is only auto in the down direction.
--Towing- This has already been discussed in other parts of the forum. the 100 has a better tow rating, by 1,000 lbs, and I think it deserves this advantage over the 80. It tows better.
--The 2000 LX I have has 5 hole wheels. A strange departure from the long standing 6 lug pattern Toyota has used for so many years on the 80 and other models. Kind of aggravating, really, as I can't swap wheels/tires from the 80 on the fly.
--Centercaps on the Toy 80 wheels seem to be junk. Lexus 100 caps seem to be much better.
--TRAC is a cool deal on the 100 series. I prefer it for everyday use over e-lockers as it is instant, achieves the same goal and requires no driver input. Obviously e-lockers are better for hard core off-roading. In fact, the VSC, TRAC, and split 60/40 power ratio give an overall much more satisfying drive experience on a daily (and I mean 1,000 miles per week daily for me) driver situation.
--- The third brake light on the 100 is just asking to be destroyed by cargo hanging off the roof rack. The 80 has it right with the light inside the liftgate. I have already broken my 3rd light on the 100.
I will try and add to this list as I have more time. Basically, we have both, like both, and use them for different purposes.
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My 2004 LC still has the glass (and I agree that is the ONLY way to go).
Yes plastic
window mod for 80's
Hoser where is the info on t he mod for auto windows? I don't see how it could be easy since it would require sensors installed on all windows? Or is it timed? That wouldn't work too good on old slow windows.. Do the 100 LC's have all auto windows?
Maybe there is something wrong with my halogen projectors, but they have limited adjustment and they throw stray shots of light up around 75 degrees that is really weird. Never been wrecked either.
Hoser where is the info on t he mod for auto windows? I don't see how it could be easy since it would require sensors installed on all windows? Or is it timed? That wouldn't work too good on old slow windows.. Do the 100 LC's have all auto windows?
Maybe there is something wrong with my halogen projectors, but they have limited adjustment and they throw stray shots of light up around 75 degrees that is really weird. Never been wrecked either.
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Here goes the auto window mod for your 80. There are no added sensors nor timers. The window circuitry senses the motors current draw and when it hits a certain level, as in what happens when the window reaches the end of the track or is obstructed by someones hand, it shuts off. All year LX470's have the feature. The early LC100's did not.
As for headlamps, the adjustment for the projectors are geared (the lower ones) and can be stripped and limit adjustment. I'm not understanding what you mean by stray light at 75 degrees but you can search for my HID retrofit thread see the cut-offs of my projectors.
As for headlamps, the adjustment for the projectors are geared (the lower ones) and can be stripped and limit adjustment. I'm not understanding what you mean by stray light at 75 degrees but you can search for my HID retrofit thread see the cut-offs of my projectors.
My 100 is a 2000 LX and it seems to have 3rd row heat.
I could not see any adjustment for the fog lights but I'll look again, thanks.
All the trailers I have pulled have been too tall for the LX/FZJ hitch, including equipment trailers.
I could not see any adjustment for the fog lights but I'll look again, thanks.
All the trailers I have pulled have been too tall for the LX/FZJ hitch, including equipment trailers.