Fuso FI and FRR 90. Last month, I did an article comparing two bitter rivals; the Mitsubishi FH 215 against the Isuzu FRR 33. If you have not read the article, find it here. The production of these two trucks has since ceased. Today we compare their successors. The Mitsubishi FH 215 was succeeded by the FUSO FI while the Isuzu FRR 33 was succeeded by the Isuzu FRR 90.
Isuzu FRR 90
The most common nickname accorded to this FRR is Slay Queen. Another common one is Farasi which literally translates to ‘horse.’ It has been described as a ‘working horse.’
The FRR 90 incorporates a 5.2 litre (5193cc) 4-cylinder Turbo-Charged 4HK1-TCC engine. This is the same engine used in the Isuzu FTR and the Isuzu FVR 90 albeit with very slight variations. This engine produces 185 horsepower and 510Nm/1600 rpm.
The FRR 33 gearbox has 6 speed over drive (forward) and 1 reverse gear. Additionally, the clutch is Dry Single Plate Operation: Hydraulic Control with Air Assist. Brake-wise, the FRR 90 still retains the Air Over Hydraulic Dual Circuit brakes with Auxilliary Exhaust brakes and the parking brake incorporates a Centre Drum Parking.
Regarding suspension, the FRR 90 employs two Multi-Leaf Spring Shock Absorbers for the front and Double acting Rear: Multi-Leaf Spring with Helper Spring.
Fuso FI
Mahakama and Mada are the most famous nicknames accorded to the Fuso FI. Others call it F1 while others are still unsure whether to call it FI or F1.
Fuso FI has a 4-litre (3907 cc) 4D 37 4-stroke cycle water-cooled direct injection turbocharged diesel engine producing 170 horsepower and 520Nm@1600rpm. The engine is rated as a Euro 3 in terms of emission.
Fuso’s drive train consists of a Dry – Single plate, Hydraulic actuated control with servo assistance mated to a transmission with 6 Forward gears & 1 Reverse gear. It has Full air S – cam Dual circuit brakes coupled with standard auxiliary exhaust brakes which are an improvement from the simple hydraulic brakes in its predecessor, the Mitsubishi FH 215. Additionally, the handbrake is spring actuated with a hand brake valve. Suspension-wise, the Fuso comes with Semi-elliptic, Laminated leaf springs both for the front and the rear.
Analysis of the FRR 90 and Fuso FI
Fuso FI does not have a sleeper cab as the FRR does. The FI is a bit longer than the FRR 90 with an overall length of 8475 mm and 8155 mm respectively. In terms of width, the Fuso has a width of 2218mm as against the FRR 90’s 2200mm which is the same as the FRR 33. The FH has a wheelbase of 4800mm and the FRR has 4860mm. Isuzu FRR 33 has a curb weight of 3885kgs and the Fuso FI 3120kgs. Heightwise, FRR is rated higher at 2600mm and the FI comes in at 2480mm.
The Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of the Fuso stands at 12800kgs which is higher than that of the FRR which is rated at 11000kgs.
Both vehicles have a 4X2 drive type and can be converted to coaches. They both have a 200-liter fuel tank.
To this end, drivers who have driven both vehicles, rate the FRR higher. However, the FRR 90 has had cases of bent chassis though not as pronounced as its predecessor FRR 33. For the Fuso FI, the complaints have been about its failing turbo. There are several that have a failed engine.
Which one do you think ranks better? Let us know in the comments section below. Remember to share this article with your friends and everyone in your circle.
As always, remember to drive safely.
Young Lawyer with a passion for vehicles.
Upcoming Motor Journalist.
L'écriture est ma passion.
Nissan Patrol Y 62 is the goal.
www.karimi.co.ke
karimi@spaceyamagari.com
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