Outer Limits 4x4 Board

My current rig is a '97 GEN II LWB. Basically stock except for the sound system and a minor lift with 33" muddies. It has the 2.5l 4d56 diesel with turbo and intercooler mated to a 5 speed manual. Super Select 4wd system, dual a/c, seven [cloth] seats, bouncy front seats are its other features.

I'm looking at the [still in production here] Montero Sport (a.k.a. Challenger, Pajero Sport). It's powered by the 2.8l 4m40 diesel mated to a 4 speed slushbox. Compared to my current rig, this one is brand new [not pushing 10 years], has ABS+EBD, has dual airbags, leather seats.

However, it does not have the Super Select 4wd, single a/c only, no rear jump seats, no front bouncy seats. The rear seats also do not recline AFAIK, and the spare tire is under the car [instead of on the tailgate where I want it to be].

Does going from the Pajero to the Montero Sport sound like a downgrade to you guys? The current Pajero is currently VERY expensive. The GEN II.5 is still in production albeit as a 4x2 version only.

Or should I start looking elswhere? The Kia Sorento [CRDi with 5 speed automatic] and Toyota Fortuner 3.0 D4d [CRDi, 7 seats, dual a/c] are within the price range. But somehow, I don't want to leave the Mitsu flock.

Just looking for inputs. Thanks!

So you need to look at what you'll be giving up, and determine how much it's worth to you.

The Sport doesn't provide the option of "full time" 4wd (i.e. centre diff) - do the others? How often do you use that option? Do you really need it?
No front bouncy seats, or 3rd row seats - do you need them? Do the others have them?
Single A/C only. I've not had dual, so I don't know how significant that is. Single works for me.
Spare tire under the rear can be "fixed" with a rear wheel carrier - but they are a little expensive.
AFAIK, 33s on the Sport isn't difficult - how about the other contenders?

As I see it:
You'd be trading the 2.5 for the 2.8.
You'd be trading 5 speed manual for 4 speed auto.
You'd need to move the spare tyre.
The non-Mitsu alternatives have significantly more modern engines, which I expect would outperform the 2.8.

I think you could be happy with the Sport, but it's highly likely you'd also be happy with either of the other two.

Haven't really helped, have I!

Good luck,

Scott