VS
At a Glance
Power
313 kW
276kW@4650
Torque
550 Nm
510Nm@3500
Fuel
14.2 l/100km
14.1
Towing
3500 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
5.8 s
7.9
Engine
5000 cc
5000
Choosing between the Land Rover Defender and the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Land Rover Defender delivers 313 kW while the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY produces 276kW@4650. On fuel, the Defender returns 14.2 l/100km while the DISCOVERY uses 14.1 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 111 100 for the Defender and R735 602 for the DISCOVERY. 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
313 kW
276kW@4650
Torque
550 Nm
510Nm@3500
0-100 kph
5.8 s
7.9
Top Speed
191 Km/h
195
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
5000 cc
5000
Engine Layout
V
LONGITUDINAL INLINE 8
Cylinders
8
8
Fuel Type
petrol
UNLEADED
Forced Induction Device
supercharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
14.2 l/100km
14.1
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
14.3
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
10.7
Fuel Tank Capacity
90 l
82
CO2 Emissions
320 g/km
328
Dimensions
Length
5018 mm
4838
Width
2008-2105 mm
2176
Height
1967 mm
1920
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2885
Ground Clearance
290 mm
240
Kerb Weight
2336 DIN / 2411 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 6 / opt 7)
7
Load Volume
857-1946 (160-743-1826 with opt 7 seats)
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3500 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
750 l
2476
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
DSC
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
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
✗
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
PREMIUM
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Heated Seats
✓ Standard
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
Optional
✗
Tow Bar
Optional
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
36
Warranty Distance
100000 Km
100000
Service Plan
—
M
Service Intervals
—
25000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
DISCOVERY
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Quicker 0-100 km/h (5.8 ss)
Higher fuel consumption (14.2 l/100km)
Higher starting price
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Better fuel economy (14.1)
Lower starting price (R735 602)
Few notable weaknesses
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender uses 14.2 l/100km and the DISCOVERY uses 14.1 on the combined cycle. The DISCOVERY 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 DISCOVERY?
The Defender produces 313 kW and 550 Nm of torque while the DISCOVERY delivers 276kW@4650 and 510Nm@3500 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and DISCOVERY?
The Defender starts from R2 111 100 and the DISCOVERY from R735 602. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R1 375 498 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender has a braked towing capacity of 3500 Kg and the DISCOVERY can tow 3500. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the Defender or the DISCOVERY?
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.