UK vs UK — 1971 vs 2022
| Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon | Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 91 hp | 518 hp |
| Torque | 160 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,528 cc | 5,000 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 16.5 sec | 5.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 75 mph | 149 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 20.8 sec | 13.3 sec |
| Weight | 3,726 lbs | 5,204 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,768 mm | 2,587 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 4,758 mm |
| Units Produced | 440,000 | — |
| Original MSRP | — | $101,300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $65,000 | $130,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged 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.
Land Rover has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon 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 91 hp, a 427-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Land Rover Series III uses a V8 OHV displacing 3,528 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 16.5 seconds. The Land Rover Series III carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1478 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2022 Land Rover Defender V8 5.0 Supercharged commands a significant premium over the 1971 Land Rover Series III 109 V8 Station Wagon, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.