The petrol V8 is comparatively economical when you drive sedately. The problem is that the majority of people who buy vehicles with big Petrol V8’s appreciate the sound (much to the chagrin of their neighbours). It doesn’t have to work hard to work hard.
The Toyotas (and Suzukis) are reliable, the problem is that the L4 in the Prado (and the much smaller one in the Jimny) need to be driven hard to work hard.
The pained screams of an underpowered 4 cylinder engine is much less pleasant than the rumble of a V8 (or even the roar of a V8 or the symphony of a perfectly tuned V6).
The petrol V8 is comparatively economical when you drive sedately. The problem is that the majority of people who buy vehicles with big Petrol V8’s appreciate the sound (much to the chagrin of their neighbours). It doesn’t have to work hard to work hard.
The Toyotas (and Suzukis) are reliable, the problem is that the L4 in the Prado (and the much smaller one in the Jimny) need to be driven hard to work hard.
The pained screams of an underpowered 4 cylinder engine is much less pleasant than the rumble of a V8 (or even the roar of a V8 or the symphony of a perfectly tuned V6).