IMHO the Montero has one advantage of a factory rear locker. However, two years ago I looked under the Montero and a Trooper at an auto show. It seemed to me that the Trooper was designed for more abuse. The biggest difference is that the torsion bars are inbetween the frame rails on the Trooper but on the BOTTOM of the frame on the Montero. They may have changed it on the Montero for the new bodystyle. The Montero's transfer case seems better out of the way then the automatic on the Trooper. The autobox on the Trooper really hangs down. Mitsubishi has had more success racing but that is more due to factory support than overall design.

As of 2000, the Trooper does have better front axle articulation, more ground clearance and better departure angle. The Montero had better approach angle, more cargo weight capacity, an optional 7 seat capacity and a larger fuel tank.

My 0.02

Kevin