This article compares a 2004 Range Rover Autobiography costing £2,000 to a brand new £200,000 Range Rover SV. It explores design, luxury features, technology, performance, and driving experience, highlighting how the older model offers impressive value and charm despite its age, while the new SV sets a benchmark in modern luxury SUVs with advanced tech and comfort.
If you want to look like a baller, get yourself a Range Rover extended wheelbase SV. However, if you're a baller with a very tight budget, why not get yourself an old 2004 Range Rover Autobiography? This car cost me just £2,000, whereas the list price of the new SV is £200,000 — 100 times more expensive. How different do they feel? Let's dive into a detailed comparison.
The new Range Rover SV is a style statement. It's instantly recognizable and carries an air of royalty. The big Range Rover badge on the front is bold and unapologetic. The SV model offers more personalization options, such as a chrome effect on the grill, a wide lower grill that gives the car immense presence, and 23-inch alloy wheels with matching bronzy accents. The sleek design includes pop-out door handles that go flush when locked, hidden window rubbers, and a sloping rear that adds to its modern, sleek look.
In contrast, the 2004 Range Rover Autobiography is more traditional and boxy. It has a family resemblance to the new model but lacks the sleekness. Some aftermarket modifications like a facelift grill and chromed door handles have been added. The older model shows signs of age, such as faded silver badging and some rust spots. The rear is squarish and boxy, and the car has a two-tone roof. Despite its age and simpler design, it still carries the classic Range Rover charm.
Land Rover has taken luxury to another level with the latest Range Rover SV, aiming to compete with Bentley Bentayga. The interior is filled with leather everywhere, solid metal paddle shifters, and high-quality grab handles. The cabin smells expensive and features modern technology such as a digital driver display and a large entertainment screen. The SV model includes ceramic elements on the gear selector and knobs, USB-C ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The rear seats in the extended wheelbase SV are exceptionally spacious, with ample knee and headroom. The leather headliner and upgraded two-seater rear seat system add to the luxury. Features include a fridge with glass tumblers, over-engineered cup holders, a fold-out table, heated and massaging seats, footrests, and rear entertainment screens with Bluetooth headphones. The rear windows are large, providing a bright and airy feel.
Back in its day, this Autobiography was considered luxurious. It features lovely leather that has worn well, though the steering wheel leather shows wear. The interior uses real wood paneling and has dual-zone climate control with physical knobs, which some prefer over touchscreen controls.
The infotainment system is basic, with no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and the air conditioning is functional but not very effective. The rear seats are comfortable with good knee and headroom, though the headliner is saggy and not leather. Heated rear seats and a Harman Kardon stereo system are included. Cup holders are simple but functional.
The glove box is manually operated, and the sunroof is a single panel that doesn't extend to the rear. Despite its age, many interior components like hinges and cup holders still work well.
The new Range Rover SV features an electric split tailgate, which can be a bit inconvenient when loading items due to the lower tailgate position. It also has an electric load cover and the ability to fold rear seats individually or all at once via buttons. The ride height can be adjusted electronically to ease loading.
The 2004 Range Rover has an electric boot release but a manual lower tailgate. The boot is smaller than the new model's but well cared for with a boot liner. It includes a full-size spare wheel, unlike the SV. The older model also has a tow bar with a capacity of 3.5 tons, useful for towing.
Both vehicles maintain Range Rover's reputation as capable off-roaders.
The new SV has a sophisticated four-wheel-drive system with electronically controlled central and rear differentials, a wade sensing system for water depth up to 90 cm, and a terrain response mode with multiple settings (grass, gravel, snow, mud, sand, rock crawl, wading). It also features low-range mode and hill descent control.
The 2004 model is simpler but effective, with low-range mode activated by a switch, central differential lock, hill descent control, and adjustable air suspension height.
The new Range Rover offers multiple engine options:
The 4.4 L twin-turbo V8 engine is powerful and refined, delivering 0-60 mph in approximately 4.96 seconds. Despite its size (2.7 tons), it achieves an impressive fuel economy of 25.4 mpg.
The older model comes with two engine choices:
Both engines are BMW sourced. The naturally aspirated V8 produces a classic engine sound and delivers 0-60 mph in about 8.48 seconds. Fuel economy is lower at around 18 mpg. The engine is responsive but lacks the punch of the turbocharged engines in the new model.
The new SV offers a commanding view of the road with a high seating position. It handles surprisingly well for a large SUV, with responsive steering and excellent suspension that smooths out bumps effortlessly. The rear-axle steering reduces the turning circle to 11.5 meters, making maneuvering easier.
The car features multiple driving modes, including Dynamic mode for sportier handling and Comfort mode for relaxed cruising. The gearbox is smooth and responsive, and the cabin is quiet with noise-canceling technology and speakers in the headrests.
Advanced driver assistance features include lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, enhancing comfort on long journeys.
The older Range Rover feels smaller on the road but lacks the refinement of the new model. The steering is less responsive, and the brakes feel less confident. The suspension handles bumps well, aided by taller tire sidewalls.
The gearbox is a 5-speed automatic, less responsive than the new model's transmission. The turning circle is slightly larger at 11.6 meters. Wind noise is more noticeable due to less effective seals and lack of noise-canceling tech.
Despite these limitations, the car drives well for its age and price, offering a classic Range Rover experience.
The 2004 Range Rover shows signs of wear, such as a saggy headliner, worn steering wheel leather, and some rust in the boot area. The fuel gauge is known to be unreliable, and the air conditioning is weak. However, the car has been well cared for, with a clean interior and functional components.
The new Range Rover, being under warranty and newer, offers more reliability and fewer maintenance concerns but comes with a significantly higher price tag.
The new Range Rover SV is a benchmark for luxury SUVs, offering cutting-edge technology, supreme comfort, and impressive performance. However, it is not 100 times better than the 2004 Range Rover Autobiography.
The older Range Rover, available for just £2,000, is an absolute steal. It offers a surprisingly good driving experience, classic Range Rover charm, and decent luxury for its age and price. While it lacks modern tech and refinement, it remains a capable and stylish SUV.
If you are on a tight budget but want to enjoy the Range Rover experience, the 2004 Autobiography is a fantastic option. Just be prepared for some maintenance and the quirks of an older vehicle.
In conclusion, both vehicles have their merits, and your choice depends on your budget and preference for modern luxury versus classic charm.
Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison of two very different Range Rovers. Whether you choose the £2,000 classic or the £200,000 modern SV, both offer unique experiences in the world of luxury SUVs.
