WCMatt Posted May 16, 2013 Share Posted May 16, 2013 Hello List! I'm considering a new toy with the impending sale of my M151A2. Two vehicles I'm (passivly)looking at are a Ferret Mk.1/2 and the other is a BRDM. I'm partial to wheeled armor as it presents far less headaches for me over here (across the pond) & I've owned armor in the past. I know there are ferret owners as well as BRDM jockeys on this site but does anyone on here have experience with both vehicles that could give some good comparisons? Any insite into why you'd own/pick one over the other? Thanks, Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lauren Child Posted May 17, 2013 Share Posted May 17, 2013 Of the two, the Ferret is smaller and easier to work on. The BRDM2 is quite complicated in places, which makes it more of a toy, but also more to go wrong, so it depends what floats your boat (did I mention it's amphibious/deep fording). It's more difficult to get into and out of. I've not driven either of them, but if you go the Ferret route make sure you chat to someone who knows about the Ferret two-step. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 17, 2013 Author Share Posted May 17, 2013 Lauren Thank you for your reply. I have been inside both a ferret & a BRDM so I'm familar with their relative sizes. Unfortunately, I've never driven or gone for a ride in either vehicle. I like ferrets, they're small (fits in any garage), peppy and certainly have a "cool factor" all their own. Did not know that they were " easier" to work on or that the BRDM was more complicated - things to really consider. Another advantage to the ferret is that there is a ferret owner who lives not too far away from me. The down side to that is the old urge to be different. What appeals to me about the BRDM is that it's probably about as close as I'll ever come to owning a V100. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRDM Driver Posted May 18, 2013 Share Posted May 18, 2013 BRDM all the way! But I would say that wouldn't I! More toys onboard especially if you get the 9P148. (uber cool automated launcher turret) Driving wise, it's no different to a driving a van with a massive load onboard and blinkers fitted to your head! Only slight niggle is you can't go round corners with the clutch down as the steering power assist goes off when the clutch is down. It's a heavy vehicle with only 140hp to push it. You can drive in 2WD mode most of the time. No diff locks so not too good for serious off roading. Some people have been known to push it to 60mph plus, bit like breaking the sound barrier you just have to drive through the vibration! Biggest downside IMHO is spares. If you are down near the tank museum, come and have a butchers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 BRDM Driver I must admit after seeing your screen name, that I would have been surprised if you posted in favor of the feerret...:-D. Spares is a concern of mine as no one wants a toy that if/when it breaks can't be repaired. Spares for the ferret aren't exactly flooding the market either but I'd imagine that they are a bit more readily available at least west of the iron curtain? From what I've read on here, owners seem to genuinely like their BRDMs and that speaks well for the design. I am somewhat surprised that more ferret owners haven't pop'd in to extoll the virtues of their beloved Daimler scout car.... Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferrettkitt Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 (edited) Spares for Ferrets aren't exactly jumping out of the wood work but most things can be had if you ask the right people. Some of the basic consumables like spark plugs can be found quite easily and even the oil filter can changed for a cartridge type, if you prefer that over the nappy type which can be washed out in petrol and reused. I suspect the reason for lack of answers is that most forum members have experience of the Ferret but not the BRDM. For me I would buy a Ferret over a BDRM everyday as it is a vehicle that many people have experience of repairing, driving and using day to day. Its an armoured vehicle that you can fit in a garage, drive on your own and put a smile on most peoples faces when you drive by. I'm not saying that you can not do the same in a BRDM you can. If you want to break new ground and learn things as you go I would say buy a BRDM but if you would prefer the experience and spares backing that goes with a Ferret that would be the direction to go in. If I say that the BRDM would be a challenge I suspect I know which direction you will take The V100 is an impressive vehicle if you can find one and for the right money Edited May 19, 2013 by ferrettkitt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catch 22 LBDR Posted May 19, 2013 Share Posted May 19, 2013 I have rebuilt a Ferret from a burnt out wreak and have learned so much in my ongoing struggle. I am not a mechanic by trade and I live in Ireland ( over a slightly smaller pond) so I know all about the cost of shipping parts. This Forun is a fantastic source of knowledge for every kind of repair but is only the tip of the iceberg. I cant imagine you would get the same level of input (without speaking Russian) for the BRDM. The parts are there or can be made/repaired, you just have to look for them and the right people to guide you. The ferret is a very desirable vehicle to own and if you are considering its re-saleability I would say it is the MB Jeep of the armoured world. Its permanent 4wd makes it a great toy off road but watch out for that "wind up" when on the road. Mind your fingers on the top hatch too, it will eat them if ya let it. At only 4ton its not to bad on mpg or to ship. As for your friend who has one the only thing that looks better than a Ferret is two Ferret's . If I had the money and was serious about keeping the vehicle for a very long time I would conceder getting two, one really good one and one for parts. What ever you decide, happy driving Ross Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 Spares for Ferrets aren't exactly jumping out of the wood work but most things can be had if you ask the right people. Some of the basic consumables like spark plugs can be found quite easily and even the oil filter can changed for a cartridge type, if you prefer that over the nappy type which can be washed out in petrol and reused. That is certainly true especially if you live across the pond like I do BTW, I'm a fan of your site & I have it book marked I suspect the reason for lack of answers is that most forum members have experience of the Ferret but not the BRDM. The pro BRDM types have actually come out in force on this one. I was actually kind of surprised that this thread wasn't dominated by ferret owners. Both very cool vehicles IMHO. For me I would buy a Ferret over a BDRM everyday as it is a vehicle that many people have experience of repairing, driving and using day to day. Its an armoured vehicle that you can fit in a garage, drive on your own and put a smile on most peoples faces when you drive by. Not 100% on this, but that might also be the case as well over here. I'm no master mechanic but, I do like to pull my own PMs & small repair jobs on the MVs I own. Speaking of fitting inside a garage, there's a Mk.1/2 in there now. I'm contimplating buying a runner rather then a resto project. I'm not saying that you can not do the same in a BRDM you can. If you want to break new ground and learn things as you go I would say buy a BRDM but if you would prefer the experience and spares backing that goes with a Ferret that would be the direction to go in. Very good points. I think the real deciding factor for me would be to arrange a drive/ride in each. If I say that the BRDM would be a challenge I suspect I know which direction you will take The V100 is an impressive vehicle if you can find one and for the right money The V100 would be awsome but I doubt I'll ever have anywhere near the going rate for one of those in "play money" -Unless the seller will actually accept "play money"..... Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 19, 2013 Author Share Posted May 19, 2013 I have rebuilt a Ferret from a burnt out wreak and have learned so much in my ongoing struggle. I am not a mechanic by trade and I live in Ireland ( over a slightly smaller pond) so I know all about the cost of shipping parts. This Forun is a fantastic source of knowledge for every kind of repair but is only the tip of the iceberg. I cant imagine you would get the same level of input (without speaking Russian) for the BRDM. The parts are there or can be made/repaired, you just have to look for them and the right people to guide you. I'm currently restoring one that was complete but non running. The "burnt out wreck" is me :laugh:. I must admit that I am partial to the ferret. It's that the BRDM is a little bit larger (without being BTR60 big)& different that I think I'm attracted to it. The ferret is a very desirable vehicle to own and if you are considering its re-saleability I would say it is the MB Jeep of the armoured world. Its permanent 4wd makes it a great toy off road but watch out for that "wind up" when on the road. - The only real drawback to the ferret (& others) in my opinion. As for resale, ferrets do seem to be hot sellers these days. Not my ultimate reason for buying one but that is something to consider down the road. Mind your fingers on the top hatch too, it will eat them if ya let it. At only 4ton its not to bad on mpg or to ship. As for your friend who has one the only thing that looks better than a Ferret is two Ferret's . Yeah When I was function testing one of the rear view port hatches I gave myself a little taste of "ferret finger". When I first got my ferret (before I desided to tear it completly down for resto) I tried to organize a convoy with a few of the armored car owners in this area (Ferret Mk. 2/3, Sarasan & a V100). Didn't pan out. 'have to wonder if the owners actually like driving them? If I had the money and was serious about keeping the vehicle for a very long time I would conceder getting two, one really good one and one for parts. That's sound advice. Guess you could always paint one up as Op. Granby & the other as BAOR? What ever you decide, happy driving Ross As of this posting, I'm actually leaning heavily towards the ferret. Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joeferret Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 You have to ask yourself what will fit the best where you are..I bought my Ferret MK1 because of my budget but especially the small size of it which I can drive on the side of my house and into my shop in the backyard..... Joe in the USA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 You have to ask yourself what will fit the best where you are..I bought my Ferret MK1 because of my budget but especially the small size of it which I can drive on the side of my house and into my shop in the backyard.....Joe in the USA Hence the reason why the title of this thread is BRDM-vs-ferret & not T-72 vs Centurion . Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berna2vm Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 The amphibious bit is really cool though and they really move in water. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WCMatt Posted May 20, 2013 Author Share Posted May 20, 2013 The amphibious bit is really cool though and they really move in water. That really seems to be the case with Soviet vehicles doesn't it? Personally, while that is very cool, I'm not sure how much "swimming" I'll be doing with any new "toy". Matt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRDM Driver Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 This is pretty cool too: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simonm Posted May 20, 2013 Share Posted May 20, 2013 I have no knowledge of the BRDM but the thing in favour of the Ferret Mk 1/2 (rather than turreted ferrets) is the ease of removing or moving the gearbox when the fluid flywheel seal fails, which they all do eventually. Last time I replaced mine it took a day to remove and a day to re-fit. As a fun vehicle, go for the Ferret, mines a 1/2. Also, while I don't know about spares across the pond, there is a wealth of willing virtual assistants who can advise. I suppose I am biased. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catch 22 LBDR Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 thunder birds are go Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catch 22 LBDR Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 This is pretty cool too: Thunder birds are go! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ferrettkitt Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Thunder birds are go! I bet you were humming the tune when you wrote that :-D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 Other thing to consider is ease of access!! If you are of the larger persuasion like me then the turreted ferrets are a PITA to get in and out of. The BRDM is a bit harder to get into as its a climb up job rather than a climb on like the Ferret but once inside there is more room and the driving position can be adapted if necessary with a bit of engineering know-how. As for the spares issue - once sorted Warsaw Pact stuff does not seem to break as easily as it's Western counterparts or need as much specialised maintenace - probably due to being over-engineered to be conscript proof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff66 Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 thats why the mk1/2 ferret is the best choice all round!!!!!:cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 thats why the mk1/2 ferret is the best choice all round!!!!!:cool2: True - but the BRDM also comes with a few more toys to keep you occupied with (not really biased am I!!) :cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
griff66 Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 me neither!:cool2: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
berna2vm Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 The only real solution may be to acquire one of each of them (that is my plan lol).:cheesy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ArtistsRifles Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 The only real solution may be to acquire one of each of them (that is my plan lol).:cheesy: Sounds like a master plan to me :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robin33ba07 Posted May 21, 2013 Share Posted May 21, 2013 I am luckly to own a Mk1 ferret and an ot65 ,both vehicles are completely vehicles . The ferret small nippy the ot65 a bit ponderous not good in the muck . I don't think these vehicles are at all similar . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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