Defender 90 vs 110: Which Classic Land Rover is Right for You?

Thinking of buying a classic Land Rover Defender but unsure whether to go for the Defender 90 or the 110? You’re not alone. At Landroid, we’ve worked on everything from bone stock classics to fully customised overlanders, and we often get asked which model is best. The answer depends entirely on how you plan to use it.

This buying guide breaks down the key differences between the Defender 90 and 110, with expert insight from the Landroid team to help you choose the right Land Rover for your lifestyle.

A Quick History of the Defender 90 & 110

The iconic Land Rover Defender evolved from the Series III in the early 1980s. The Defender 110 launched in 1983, followed by the Defender 90 in 1984. The numbers refer to the approximate wheelbase in inches: 110" for the long wheelbase and 90" for the short (actually 93" when measured).

To get a bit technical, due to the design of the suspension—particularly the single pivot radius arms at the front—the wheelbase changes slightly as the suspension travels.

Both versions have been updated over the years, but the core characteristics remain: rugged build quality, off-road capability, and unmistakable style.

We’ll leave out the Defender 130 for now, as it’s typically a special-purpose vehicle.

Adventure-ready Land Rover Defender 110 parked on the street, featuring an overland roof tent and rugged all-terrain upgrades.

Defender 110: Space and Versatility

The Defender 110 is the ultimate utility vehicle. Its longer wheelbase offers:

• Seating for up to 7 people (depending on configuration)

• Greater cargo capacity

• A smoother ride on road

• More flexibility for families or commercial use

If you're planning long road trips, carrying tools or gear, or need extra room for passengers or pets, the 110 is a highly capable all-rounder.

At Landroid, we often recommend the 110 for customers converting their Defender into a camper, expedition vehicle, or practical daily driver.

Defender 90: Compact and Capable

Don’t let its size fool you. The Defender 90 is incredibly capable off-road. With its shorter wheelbase, you get:

• Tighter turning radius (ideal for city driving or green laning)

• More agile handling off-road

• Lighter overall weight, which can improve performance and fuel efficiency

The Defender 90 is perfect for solo adventurers, couples, or as a second vehicle. It’s nimble around town but still unstoppable in the wild.

Urban-ready Land Rover Defender 90 with an overland roof rack setup.

What to Consider Before Buying

At Landroid, we guide customers through key questions to help decide:

1. How will you use it? Daily driver? Weekend escape vehicle? Overland rig? Your use case will determine whether space or agility matters more.

2. Who’s coming along for the ride? If you’re regularly carrying passengers or pets, the 110 makes more sense. For solo trips or minimalist setups, the 90 is spot-on.

3. What kind of driving do you do most? City streets and tight roads? Choose the 90. Long motorway trips or hauling loads? Go for the 110.

4. How long do you plan to keep it? Many owners start with a 90 but later wish they’d gone for a 110. If this is a long-term buy or a future restoration project, extra space is a plus.

5. Do you plan to modify or restore it? Whether it’s a period-correct restoration or an off-grid overlander build, the 110 gives you more room to work with. Explore our modification services to see what’s possible.

Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Defender 90	Defender 110
Wheelbase	~93 inches	~110 inches
Seats	2–6 (layout-dependent)	Up to 7
Off-Road Ability	Nimble, tighter turning	Stable, ideal for overlanding
Practicality	Great for couples or solos	Better for families and gear
Ride Comfort	Agile, car-like feel	Smoother ride, more stable

Landroid: Your Defender Experts in Exeter, Devon

At Landroid, we don’t just service Land Rover Defenders, we live and breathe them. Whether you choose a 90 or 110, we offer:

• Servicing & diagnostics

• Full restorations

• Custom modifications

• Interior and exterior styling

• Pre-purchase inspections

We’ve helped Defender owners across the UK maintain, modify, and perfect their Land Rovers.

Ready to Choose Your Defender?

There’s no wrong choice—just the right Defender for your lifestyle. Still not sure? Contact Landroid and book a visit. We’ll walk you through options, show you in-progress builds, and help you find your perfect match.

Ready to get started? Book a consultation or visit our Exeter workshop today.