VS
At a Glance
Power
471 kW
368 kW
Torque
850 Nm
610 Nm
Fuel
12.2 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Towing
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
0-100 km/h
3.6 s
5.7 s
Engine
3996 cc
5000 cc
Choosing between the Audi RSQ8 and the Land Rover Defender is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Audi RSQ8 delivers 471 kW while the Land Rover Defender produces 368 kW. On fuel, the RSQ8 returns 12.2 l/100km while the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R3 266 100 for the RSQ8 and R3 308 300 for the Defender. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
471 kW
368 kW
Torque
850 Nm
610 Nm
0-100 kph
3.6 s
5.7 s
Top Speed
250 Km/h
240 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
3996 cc
5000 cc
Engine Layout
V
V
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
supercharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
8
8
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Low Range
—
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
12.2 l/100km
12.8 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
85 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
277 g/km
295 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5022 mm
5358 mm
Width
2007-2190 mm
2008-2105 mm
Height
1699 mm
1970 mm
Wheelbase
2998 mm
3022 mm
Ground Clearance
—
290 mm
Kerb Weight
2350 Kg
2631 DIN / 2706 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
8 (opt 5 / opt 7)
Load Volume
605-1755 l
389-1232-2291 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3000 Kg
Load Capacity
—
650 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6 (opt 8)
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
1
5
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Intervals
service interval indicator (max 15000) /
—
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Audi RSQ8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
RSQ8
Fuel Economy
RSQ8
Value
RSQ8
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Audi RSQ8
More powerful engine (471 kW)
Better fuel economy (12.2 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R3 266 100)
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (3.6 ss)
Few notable weaknesses
Land Rover Defender
Well-rounded specification
Higher fuel consumption (12.8 l/100km)
Less power than rival (368 kW vs 471 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the RSQ8 or Defender?
The RSQ8 uses 12.2 l/100km and the Defender uses 12.8 l/100km on the combined cycle. The RSQ8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the RSQ8 or Defender?
The RSQ8 produces 471 kW and 850 Nm of torque while the Defender delivers 368 kW and 610 Nm of torque. The RSQ8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the RSQ8 and Defender?
The RSQ8 starts from R3 266 100 and the Defender from R3 308 300. The RSQ8 is cheaper by R42 200 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the RSQ8 or Defender?
The RSQ8 has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the Defender can tow 3000 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the RSQ8 or the Defender?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.