R50 vs R51 V8 questions

[aedavis]

 

I posted the following in the R50 section but it isn't getting many responses.  Thought I'd post here and see if any R51 owners have an opinion.  Thanks

 

I've been driving an R50 Pathfinder for about 6 years now.  Initially I bought it as a work truck, but since I've retired I just use it for running around, camping in the mountains and desert, and towing my dirt bikes around.  Mine is clean and runs fine (2002 LE with 214K miles), and I don't have any reason to part with it except one of my kids wants to buy it from me.  There is a 2008 V8 Pathfinder for sale nearby and I've been considering it as a replacement for my R50, but I'm wondering what the driving experience will be like coming from the smaller SUV.  I like the R50 for its size, light feeling, and 'nimbleness'.  I have always been interested in the VK56 powered R51s, but if they feel like a land whale despite the big engine, I wouldn't like that.

 

For context, I have a 100 Series Landcruiser I use for towing my boat, but as nice as it is it feels like driving a school bus compared to my R50.  I am wondering if an R51 will feel the same way. 

 

Has anyone who has spent time in both an R50 and R51 comment on the driving feel of both?  One of the reasons I like my R50 so much is that it is pretty car like in handling, but still capable off road for moderate stuff.   I wouldn't want to give up that small feel.

 

Heres a pic of my R50:

 

Here's a pic of it next to my Landcruiser.  There's a pretty big difference in size.

 

Edited February 17 by aedavis