by NowForThe5th on Wed Feb 05, 2020 4:09 am
I'm assuming from your post that both engines were available there and that everything else is equal, or at least comparable, such as condition, mileage, other vehicle features etc.
In the time honoured American tradition there is no substitute for cubic inches. This is true in the case of these two engines. While all small turbo diesels suffer from some degree of lag, the 4M41 offsets this with extra capacity and better low down torque while the 4D56 is, in a word, awful, especially when mated to an auto. So, the 3.2 wins for driveability off the mark. Power is then delivered more smoothly in the 4M41 albeit over a reduced rev range as the smaller engine is capable of higher rpm than its truck based cousin. Not really a factor, though, since gearboxes are designed with each engine's characteristics in mind, Suffice to say that the 3.2 offers a more relaxed and consistent driving experience.
The timing chain vs belt is a major advantage, as is not having the second belt driving the balance shafts. Lower maintenance costs and reliability give the 4M41 the win here, too.
In practice there is not a huge difference in the process of cleaning the intake manifolds of the two engines. Consider them equal in this respect. Once clean they can both be easily fitted with an electronic EGR defeat so the soot buildup does not recur and this route is much better than the blanking plate.
I'm not sure whether the 4D56 in Thailand suffers from the same overheating problem that has marred these engines here in Australia. If so, then I'd be steering well away from it. That said, if you get a good one, and maintain it properly, experience of members here is that they are capable of very long lives.
Fuel consumption of the two engines is not significantly different, with the smaller one having maybe a slight advantage. Consider them roughly equal on this aspect.
As for other engine components, like injectors and valves/seats, neither has any clear advantage.
Back in 2013, before the 4D56 overheating issue became apparent, I was faced with replacing my V6 Triton with the 4D56 or going back to the Pajero with a 4M41. I chose the Pajero and while it doesn't suit as well as a Triton, I'm glad I did.
Chris
If work is so terrific, why do they have to pay us to do it?