JMC Baodian: Which Version Should You Buy?

The JMC Baodian offered three closely related 2.8 MT versions during its production run from 2007 to 2009. All were double-cab pickups with a 2,771 cc diesel engine, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, 172 Nm at 2,000 rpm, a 60-litre fuel tank and 220 mm of ground clearance. The main buying decision is between the 84 hp AWD version, the 77 hp AWD version with Turbo, and the 77 hp RWD version with Turbo.

The JMC Baodian offered three closely related 2.8 MT versions during its production run from 2007 to 2009. All were double-cab pickups with a 2,771 cc diesel engine, a 5-speed Manual gearbox, 172 Nm at 2,000 rpm, a 60-litre fuel tank and 220 mm of ground clearance. The main buying decision is between the 84 hp AWD version, the 77 hp AWD version with Turbo, and the 77 hp RWD version with Turbo. The 84 hp AWD provides the best power-to-weight result and is the only version with measured acceleration and fuel-consumption figures. The two 77 hp versions have identical stated engine output and differ principally in drive type.

JMC Baodian generations and versions

There is only one JMC Baodian generation in the supplied catalogue data, so there is no choice between generations. The 1 generation was produced from 2007 to 2009 as a Pickup double-cab and contains 3 versions. No restyling or subsequent generation is listed.

All three modifications carry the exact database name 2.8 MT, so power and drive must be included when distinguishing them:

Engine and specs comparison

Exact version namePowerTorqueDisplacementFuelCylindersLayoutBoostGearboxDrive
2.8 MT — 84 hp AWD84 hp at 3,600 rpm172 Nm at 2,000 rpm2,771 ccDiesel4InlineNo5-speed ManualAWD
2.8 MT — 77 hp AWD77 hp at 3,600 rpm172 Nm at 2,000 rpm2,771 ccDiesel4InlineTurbo5-speed ManualAWD
2.8 MT — 77 hp RWD77 hp at 3,600 rpm172 Nm at 2,000 rpm2,771 ccDiesel4InlineTurbo5-speed ManualRWD

Every engine is mounted Front, longitudinal. Despite the different power and boost entries, all three versions produce the same stated 172 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The 84 hp AWD therefore adds 7 hp over either 77 hp version without adding any stated torque.

Using the listed 2,771 cc displacement, the 84 hp AWD produces approximately 30.3 hp per litre. Each 77 hp version produces approximately 27.8 hp per litre. The advantage of the 84 hp AWD is therefore about 2.5 hp per litre.

The database lists 2 valves per cylinder, Distributed injection (multi-point), an 18.5 compression ratio, and a 78 × 83 mm bore and stroke only for the 84 hp AWD version. Those specifications are not measured for either 77 hp version and should not be assumed to match.

Performance, top speed and fuel economy

Exact version name0–100 km/hTop speedCity consumptionHighway consumptionCombined consumption
2.8 MT — 84 hp AWD15 seconds120 km/h9.7 L/100 km5.8 L/100 km7.2 L/100 km
2.8 MT — 77 hp AWDnot measured120 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured
2.8 MT — 77 hp RWDnot measured120 km/hnot measurednot measurednot measured

All three versions have the same stated top speed of 120 km/h, so the additional 7 hp of the 84 hp AWD does not correspond to a higher listed maximum speed. Only that version has a measured 0–100 km/h time: 15 seconds.

Fuel use is also measured only for the 84 hp AWD. Its listed figures are 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 5.8 L/100 km on the highway and 7.2 L/100 km combined. City consumption is 3.9 L/100 km higher than highway consumption. Consumption for the 77 hp AWD and 77 hp RWD versions is not measured, so the data cannot support a claim that either Turbo version is more economical.

CO₂ output and ecological class are not measured for all three versions.

Dimensions, weight and ground clearance

The supplied catalogue data gives the same mass and utility-related measurements for every 2.8 MT:

Exact version nameKerb weightGross weightGross-minus-kerb differenceGround clearanceFuel tankWheel sizes
2.8 MT — 84 hp AWD1,670 kg2,495 kg825 kg220 mm60 litresnot measured
2.8 MT — 77 hp AWD1,670 kg2,495 kg825 kg220 mm60 litresnot measured
2.8 MT — 77 hp RWD1,670 kg2,495 kg825 kg220 mm60 litresnot measured

The 825 kg figure is simply the arithmetic difference between gross and kerb weight; it should not be treated as a separate measured payload rating. Wheel sizes are not measured for any version.

With the same 1,670 kg kerb weight, the 84 hp AWD carries approximately 19.9 kg per horsepower. Both 77 hp versions carry approximately 21.7 kg per horsepower. On the listed numbers, the 84 hp AWD therefore has the more favourable weight-to-power relationship by approximately 1.8 kg per horsepower.

There is no suspension or braking distinction in the data. Every version has Independent, spring front suspension, Dependent, spring rear suspension, Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes.

Which JMC Baodian 2.8 MT version should you buy?

Choose the 2.8 MT — 84 hp AWD when the priority is the strongest specification sheet and the most complete set of measured figures. It offers 7 hp more than either alternative, approximately 30.3 hp per litre rather than 27.8 hp per litre, and approximately 19.9 kg per horsepower rather than 21.7 kg per horsepower. It also combines AWD with the only measured acceleration and consumption results: 15 seconds to 100 km/h and 7.2 L/100 km combined.

Choose the 2.8 MT — 77 hp AWD if AWD and Turbo are the required catalogue attributes but the additional 7 hp of the 84 hp version is not essential. It retains the same 172 Nm at 2,000 rpm, 120 km/h top speed, 220 mm ground clearance and 60-litre tank. Its acceleration and fuel consumption are not measured, however, so there is no numerical basis for claiming a performance or economy advantage.

Choose the 2.8 MT — 77 hp RWD when RWD is specifically preferred. Its stated power, torque, displacement, boost, gearbox, top speed, weights, clearance and tank capacity match those of the 77 hp AWD version; drive type is the only listed difference between those two modifications. Because prices are not provided, the data cannot show what any saving would be or whether RWD represents better value.

Overall, the 2.8 MT — 84 hp AWD is the clearest data-led choice. It has the best power per litre and weight per horsepower, while retaining the same torque, top speed, weights, clearance and tank capacity as the other versions. The 77 hp AWD is the closest alternative for a buyer specifically seeking Turbo and AWD, while the 77 hp RWD is the version to select only when its different drive layout is the deciding factor.