Land Rover Series III

vs

Land Rover Discovery

UK vs UK — 1971 vs 1989

Land Rover Series III (1971)
Land Rover Discovery (1989)
Specifications
Series III 109 V8 Station WagonDiscovery 3-Door V8i
Horsepower91 hp182 hp
Torque160 lb-ft235 lb-ft
Engine Size3,528 cc3,947 cc
0-60 mph16.5 sec10.0 sec
Top Speed75 mph106 mph
¼ Mile20.8 sec17.2 sec
Weight3,726 lbs4,277 lbs
Wheelbase2,768 mm2,540 mm
Length4,699 mm4,539 mm
Units Produced440,000
Original MSRP$24,900
Value (Excellent)$65,000$35,000
Collectibility7/106/10
Rarity3/104/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1989 Land Rover Discovery 3-Door V8i with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon offers lighter weight, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

Land Rover has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon with the 1989 Land Rover Discovery 3-Door V8i highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1989 Land Rover Discovery 3-Door V8i holds a clear advantage in raw power with 182 hp compared to 91 hp, a 91-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1989 Land Rover Discovery 3-Door V8i edges ahead at 10.0 seconds versus 16.5 seconds. The Land Rover Series III carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 551 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.