VS
At a Glance
Power
297 kW
260 kW
Torque
640 Nm
500 Nm
Fuel
2.8 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Towing
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.6 s
6.0 (opt 5.7) s
Engine
1997 cc
2995 cc
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the Porsche Cayenne is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 297 kW while the Porsche Cayenne produces 260 kW. On fuel, the Defender returns 2.8 l/100km while the Cayenne uses 10.4 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 446 400 for the Defender and R2 489 000 for the Cayenne. 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
297 kW
260 kW
Torque
640 Nm
500 Nm
0-100 kph
5.6 s
6.0 (opt 5.7) s
Top Speed
191 Km/h
248 Km/h
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1997 cc
2995 cc
Engine Layout
inline
V
Cylinders
4
6
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
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
2.8 l/100km
10.4 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
90 l
CO2 Emissions
78 g/km
238 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4930 mm
Width
2008-2105 mm
1983-2194 mm
Height
1967 mm
1698 mm
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2895 mm
Ground Clearance
290 mm
193-238 mm
Kerb Weight
2538 DIN / 2613 EU Kg
2055 DIN / 2130 EU Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6)
5
Load Volume
857-1946 l
698-772-1708 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
3500 Kg
Load Capacity
—
780 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
10
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
Optional
✓ Standard
Tow Bar
Optional
Optional
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery
2
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
unlimited Km
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Land Rover Defender
4 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
Defender
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
More powerful engine (297 kW)
Better fuel economy (2.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R2 446 400)
Few notable weaknesses
Porsche Cayenne
Higher towing capacity (3500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (10.4 l/100km)
Less power than rival (260 kW vs 297 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or Cayenne?
The Defender uses 2.8 l/100km and the Cayenne uses 10.4 l/100km on the combined cycle. The Defender 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 Defender or Cayenne?
The Defender produces 297 kW and 640 Nm of torque while the Cayenne delivers 260 kW and 500 Nm of torque. The Defender is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Defender and Cayenne?
The Defender starts from R2 446 400 and the Cayenne from R2 489 000. The Defender is cheaper by R42 600 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or Cayenne?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3000 Kg and the Cayenne can tow 3500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the Cayenne?
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.