MAN TO ROADRUNNER
Page 32
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
• I would refer to your roadtest of the Leyland Roadrunner 8.13 in Commercial Motor, 21 Mardi, 1987 and in particular to the comparison charts. I have to question the validity of comparing the 3.65 metre wheelbase Roadrunner against our MAN 8.136 4.25 metre when we also have a 3.6 metre wheelbase in our standard product range.
Had you compared like with like you would have been able to show a body/payload allowance of 4626kg for the 8.136 (see enclosed technical data sheet) effectively putting the MAN just behind the Roadrunner. Incidentally, whilst on the subject of body/payload allowances, the latest 8.13 spec sheet from Leyland shows this figure to be 4820kg which is somewhat optimistically illustrated on your chart!
Turning to the Mercedes 814 you have very generously chosen the 3.15 wheelbase for the purpose of comparison. I am sure you are aware that MB offer a 3.7 metre wheelbase with a body/payload allowance of 4380kg which would only just register on your chart.
As far as Iveco Ford are concerned, I fail to understand why you have chosen their low-powered 0811 model when the direct competitor to the Roadrunner 8.13 would be the Cargo 0813. Once again, this would present a different picture in terms of body/payload allowance at 4450kg, as opposed to the (incorrect) 4600kg+ allowance as shown.
The Commando G08, 3.45m wheelbase, 5 speed has a body/payload of 4408kg, again your chart is approximately 150kg optimistic.
Accepting that in order to provide your readers with meaningful comparisons and assuming that you have access to the latest literature from these manufacturers, or can at least talk to them before going to print, I would have thought that you could have produced a more accurate report.
Therefore, taking the current retail prices of the correct models for comparison the following listing is Oven: Leyland Roadrunner 8.13 £15,450 Renault Dodge G08 214,940 Iveco Ford Cargo 0813 215,620 Mercedes Benz 814 3.7m 215,880
MAN 8.136 3.6m 214,893
The fuel consumption figures are presumably taken from previous road tests and the only comment to be made is to the relevance of comparing a 100kW vehicle with those of a 81kW.
Your road tests are used by many people as a source of re
ference and I would ask you to ensure that you have got your facts right and are comparing "apples with apples" before publishing any further comparisons.
Geoff Morgan Product Manager MAN Swindon Our comparison charts are derived, wherever possible, from data from our own road tests: these are the figures which we have independently verified. In an ideal world we would have tested every variant of every vehicle on the market but, in reality, the vehicles whose data we have listed are the ones which have been made available to us. Ed.