Land Rover Defender

vs

Land Rover Range Rover

UK vs UK — 1983 vs 2013

Land Rover Defender (1983)
Land Rover Range Rover (2013)
Specifications
Defender 90 V8Range Rover SVAutobiography L405
Horsepower134 hp565 hp
Torque185 lb-ft516 lb-ft
Engine Size3,528 cc5,000 cc
0-60 mph14.0 sec5.0 sec
Top Speed90 mph140 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec13.2 sec
Weight3,814 lbs5,577 lbs
Wheelbase2,360 mm3,120 mm
Length3,886 mm5,200 mm
Original MSRP$25,000$210,000
Value (Excellent)$100,000$170,000
Collectibility8/105/10
Rarity5/105/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1983 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography L405 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Land Rover has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1983 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 with the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography L405 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2013 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography L405 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 565 hp compared to 134 hp, a 431-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Land Rover Defender uses a V8 OHV displacing 3,528 cc, while the Land Rover Range Rover relies on a V8 Supercharged with 5,000 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography L405 edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 14.0 seconds. The Land Rover Defender carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1763 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2013 Land Rover Range Rover SVAutobiography L405 commands a significant premium over the 1983 Land Rover Defender 90 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1983 Land Rover Defender 90 V8 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.