VS
At a Glance
Power
257 kW
180kW@4000
Torque
700 Nm
600Nm@2000
Fuel
8.7 l/100km
9.3
Towing
3000 Kg
3500
0-100 km/h
6.8 s
9.6
Engine
2997 cc
2993
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 257 kW while the LAND ROVER DISCOVERY produces 180kW@4000. On fuel, the Defender returns 8.7 l/100km while the DISCOVERY uses 9.3 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R2 083 800 for the Defender and R725 000 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
257 kW
180kW@4000
Torque
700 Nm
600Nm@2000
0-100 kph
6.8 s
9.6
Top Speed
191 Km/h
180
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
2997 cc
2993
Engine Layout
inline
LONGITUDINAL V 6
Cylinders
6
6
Fuel Type
diesel
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
AUTOMATIC
Number of Gears
8
6
Drive Wheels
all
ALL
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
✗
Low Range
✓ Standard
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.7 l/100km
9.3
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
11.2
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
8.3
Fuel Tank Capacity
89 l
82
CO2 Emissions
227 g/km
244
Dimensions
Length
5358 mm
4838
Width
2008-2105 mm
2176
Height
1970 mm
1920
Wheelbase
3022 mm
2885
Ground Clearance
290 mm
240
Kerb Weight
2591 DIN / 2666 EU Kg
—
Doors
5
5
Seats
5 (opt 8)
7
Load Volume
389-1232-2291 l
—
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
3000 Kg
3500
Load Capacity
700 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
Optional
✗
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
Land Rover Defender
3 / 4 categories
Performance
Defender
Fuel Economy
Defender
Value
DISCOVERY
Practicality
Defender
Pros & Cons
Land Rover Defender
Better fuel economy (8.7 l/100km)
Quicker 0-100 km/h (6.8 ss)
Higher starting price
LAND ROVER DISCOVERY
Lower starting price (R725 000)
Higher towing capacity (3500)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Defender or DISCOVERY?
The Defender uses 8.7 l/100km and the DISCOVERY uses 9.3 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 DISCOVERY?
The Defender produces 257 kW and 700 Nm of torque while the DISCOVERY delivers 180kW@4000 and 600Nm@2000 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the Defender and DISCOVERY?
The Defender starts from R2 083 800 and the DISCOVERY from R725 000. The DISCOVERY is cheaper by R1 358 800 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 3000 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.