Land Rover Series I

vs

Land Rover Defender V8

UK vs UK — 1948 vs 2022

Land Rover Series I (1948)
Land Rover Defender V8 (2022)
Specifications
Series I 80-inchDefender V8 5.0 Supercharged
Horsepower50 hp518 hp
Torque75 lb-ft461 lb-ft
Engine Size1,595 cc5,000 cc
0-60 mph5.0 sec
Top Speed55 mph149 mph
¼ Mile13.3 sec
Weight5,204 lbs
Wheelbase2,032 mm2,587 mm
Length3,353 mm4,758 mm
Original MSRP$101,300
Value (Excellent)$70,000$130,000
Collectibility5/106/10
Rarity6/105/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged with more power, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1948 Land Rover Series I 80-inch offers better value, 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 1948 Land Rover Series I 80-inch with the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 518 hp compared to 50 hp, a 468-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Land Rover Series I uses a Inline-4 IOE 8V displacing 1,595 cc, while the Land Rover Defender V8 relies on a V8 Supercharged with 5,000 cc. The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged claims a higher top speed at 149 mph compared to 55 mph. On the collector market, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged commands a significant premium over the 1948 Land Rover Series I 80-inch, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.