UK vs UK — 1989 vs 2022
| Defender 90 300Tdi | Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 111 hp | 518 hp |
| Torque | 195 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,495 cc | 5,000 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 17.5 sec | 5.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 84 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 21.0 sec | 13.3 sec |
| Weight | — | 5,204 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,360 mm | 2,587 mm |
| Length | 3,883 mm | 4,758 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $101,300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1989 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Land Rover Defender. The 1989 and 2022 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 518 hp compared to 111 hp, a 407-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Land Rover Defender uses a Inline-4 OHC Turbodiesel displacing 2,495 cc, while the Land Rover Defender V8 relies on a V8 Supercharged with 5,000 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 17.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged commands a significant premium over the 1989 Land Rover Defender 90 300Tdi, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.