Ride Quality (how does it compare to a 3gen 4Runner?) (1 Viewer)

[Kabanstva]

Are there any current or past 3rd gen 4Runner owners on here? Curious how does the 80 series ride quality compare to the 97+ 4Runner? Curious about overall noise level, wind noise, highway driving, city driving, etc.

Which one is better or worse?

 

[slow95z]

The 4 runner rides way better imo. I had a limited and it was nice but the 80 is better offroad.

 

[Technician1985]

80 series feels like other solid axle body on frame vehicles I've driven.

 

[G-Cat]

Comparing a 98 SR5 and a 97 80 Series (both with 55K Miles and stock) and in the year 2000, I recall thinking:

The 80 was more quiet
The 80 was more comfortable
The 4Runner had better acceleration
The 4Runner could pass at highway speed

The Cruiser felt more solid.

In 250K miles on each, the 4Runner had zero issues...LC needed several sets of brake pads, 1 radiator. 1 head gasket, starter contacts

Not sure this helps when looking at these trucks in 2018, but that’s my 2 cents...

 

[sunrk]

80 has two solid axle assemblies - it will never ride smooth like something that has IFS or full independent suspension. There's a lot more unsprung weight than with modern vehicles.

 

[IanB]

80 series weighs about 1600lbs more than a 3rd Gen 4Runner, and you feel it. Solid front axle is clunkier than the IFS, 4Runner had a tighter turning radius and was more maneuverable in tight spots, more nimble than the 80, 80 feels more solid. Both are good, 80 has much more interior space, I won’t be going back to the 3rd Gen.

 

[NorCal97]

Of course, they're completely different platforms...really, an apple vs. orange comparison. With respect to the ride quality variable, I don't know if one is really "better" than the other...the feel is very different. The "solid" feel of the LC is one I hear a lot from my many 4R buddies that give my '97 LC a spin. Usually I get a "Holy $#it!" and ensuing giggles. Offroad, joyriders say things like, "Oh, my...this thing is like a tracked vehicle (go anywhere tank)".

I feel the LC is more refined, quieter, less squeaky, fewer rattles, less vibration...just a step up on overall build quality. The LC is definitely not as nimble as a 4R, and not near as fuel efficient, but it's also a bigger & heavier rig. This said, my 3rd Gen 4R friends do not pass me on hills (except the one with the supercharger), or on curves. When I sold my '93 Bronco I may have gone for a 3rd Gen 4R rather than a LC, but the extra space is the very thing I was after. And the solid front axle.

Overall maintenance is certainly higher on the LC, but the 3rd Gen 4R's have their share of common tweaky issues that need to be addressed.

I guess I'd be looking at other variables than ride quality if I were debating between the two rigs, as both qualify as a subjective "good". I really like both vehicles, but the LC fits my needs best. Drive both and see what turns your crank!

 

[Qball]

If you had to ask....don’t get the 80.

 

[BigAxeJack]

^nailed it.

 

[White Stripe]

My 3Rd Gen corners better and faster, but the 80 rides nicer and cruises nicer. The 3rd Gen is a bit easier to zip in and out of traffic. Gas mileage was my biggest concern, that's why I got a 80 that has a motor other than a 3fe or 1fz. The gas mileage of a 3fe or 1fz is too crappy for me as a daily driver.

 

[bajaphile]

I had a 96 and a 97 4Runner and currently own a 2005 V8 4Runner. I agree for the most part with whats been said already.

I prefer the 80 overall for long distance travel and in the desert. I actually think my 3rd gens (with lockers) did better on the rocks, inclines, and trails. (Not sure why I'm the only one who feels this way).. The 80 is pretty heavy and wide, not as peppy, but more solid overall. Does better on-road on curves with the AWD. For what I use it for, I wouldn't go back to a 3rd gen, although I really liked them.

 

[Laisser aller]

...had a '97 Limited 4wd new. Maybe I am a snob but the 4Runner never instilled a lot of confidence on long highway stretches. It was an awesome Japan built unit but I like the ride of the 80 much better. However the most comfort nagging-thing for me on the 80 as far as day-to-day comfort is the seat bottom sucks, super shallow seats in the front of the 80. I really dislike the 80 front seats.

I am only 5’7” and the seats in the 80 are among the worst seats I have sat in while commuting or driving a few hundred miles in one clip.

 

[Lumpskie]

...had a '97 Limited 4wd new. Maybe I am a snob but the 4Runner never instilled a lot of confidence on long highway stretches. It was an awesome Japan built unit but I like the ride of the 80 much better. However the most comfort nagging-thing for me on the 80 as far as day-to-day comfort is the seat bottom sucks, super shallow seats in the front of the 80. I really dislike the 80 front seats.

I am only 5’7” and the seats in the 80 are among the worst seats I have sat in while commuting or driving a few hundred miles in one clip.

That's funny. The seats in the 80 are one of my favorite things about it. I hurt my back in 2016 and that was one of the reasons I had to sell my 1st gen Tacoma. Got the 80 and my back doesn't bother me, even after hours of driving. If it starts getting sore, I adjust the lumbar and I'm good for another hour or two.

 

[Laisser aller]

Lumpskie I am happy to hear that. Back issues are NO JOKE.

Pinched a nerve myself, when it flares up I am almost brought to tears. Maybe that’s in part why I cannot sit still... but those German seats tho, never sat in a more comfortable seat consistently. Thumbs up to the Germans on the question of seats.

 

[Heckraiser]

I've had 2 3rd gen 4runners. My experience is as follows:

4runner is better handling on the pavement (by a good margin). Ride quality on pavement is probably a wash. 80 has a smoother ride off road.

Engine noise, 4runner runs quieter, but either is pretty fine assuming the exhaust is in good shape.

Wind/road noise wouldn't be a fair comparison because my 80 has a gajillion miles and all the window/door seals are shot. Obviously the 4runners were quieter in my case.

4runner is also a bit faster--especially with a 5-speed.

Which is better? Depends on your usage. For an all-around vehicle for daily use that can also do some off road, the 4runner wins hands down, IMO. Much more nimble, better handling, better fuel economy, less maintenance and parts are cheaper. Mine is pretty much just a weekend camper/wheeler, so the 80 makes more sense for me. Both are great trucks!

 

[Jgunner]

I've had 2 3rd gen 4runners. My experience is as follows:

4runner is better handling on the pavement (by a good margin). Ride quality on pavement is probably a wash. 80 has a smoother ride off road.

Engine noise, 4runner runs quieter, but either is pretty fine assuming the exhaust is in good shape.

Wind/road noise wouldn't be a fair comparison because my 80 has a gajillion miles and all the window/door seals are shot. Obviously the 4runners were quieter in my case.

4runner is also a bit faster--especially with a 5-speed.

Which is better? Depends on your usage. For an all-around vehicle for daily use that can also do some off road, the 4runner wins hands down, IMO. Much more nimble, better handling, better fuel economy, less maintenance and parts are cheaper. Mine is pretty much just a weekend camper/wheeler, so the 80 makes more sense for me. Both are great trucks!

Currently own one of each. Off-road the 80 hands down, on road 4runner hands down.

80 has more road noise, but thats the tires. Mine both have similar amount of miles.

 

[Jgrauman]

Have a 94 lc and had a 94 (2nd gen) 4runner and a 98 (3rd gen) 4runner. 2nd gen 4runner was more comparable to the 80 in the utility of a vehicle. A 3rd gen 4runner is more comparable to a 100 imo.

 

[Jgunner]

Have a 94 lc and had a 94 (2nd gen) 4runner and a 98 (3rd gen) 4runner. 2nd gen 4runner was more comparable to the 80 in the utility of a vehicle. A 3rd gen 4runner is more comparable to a 100 imo.

You mean slow as hell? Lol. Yes

 

[G-Cat]

I’d recommend test driving every 80 and 3rd Gen for sale in your area and formulating your own opinion.

The newest example of each is 21 and 16 years, respectively...and each individual example will be different to one degree or another.