1983 Land Rover Defender 90 Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Defender 90 has a width of 1790 mm, which is about 70.5 inches. This width strikes a balance between interior space and off-road capability. It is wide enough to provide comfortable seating space for passengers and some cargo but narrow enough to navigate through tight off-road paths and urban streets. The width also facilitates reasonable parking ease in standard parking spots, although the vehicle's height and length might affect some tight parking situations.

The height of the Defender 90 spans between 1963 mm and 2059 mm, or roughly 77.3 to 81.1 inches. This relatively tall stature is typical for an off-road vehicle, offering excellent ground clearance and a commanding driving position. However, the higher height means it might be a tight fit in some residential garages, especially those with limited vertical clearance. It is advisable for owners to measure their garage height to ensure the Defender 90 fits comfortably.

The curb weight of the Defender 90 ranges from 1627 kg up to 1870 kg, equating to approximately 3588 to 4123 pounds. This weight variation depends on the specific model year, trim, installed equipment, and optional features. The curb weight is important for understanding the vehicle's handling characteristics, fuel consumption, and off-road capabilities. Despite its rugged build, the Defender 90 remains relatively lightweight for a capable off-road SUV, enhancing its agility.

The Defender 90 has a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) ranging from 2400 kg to 2550 kg, which is about 5291 to 5620 pounds. This figure represents the maximum total weight including the vehicle itself, passengers, cargo, and any additional equipment. This capacity is critical for safe operation, especially when carrying heavy loads or towing. Staying within the GVW ensures the vehicle’s structural integrity and optimal performance, particularly during challenging off-road conditions.

With rear seats in the upright position, the Defender 90 provides a luggage capacity ranging between 590 liters and 1600 liters (approximately 20.8 to 56.5 cubic feet), depending on the specific model and configuration. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space increases considerably to 1850 liters, or about 65.3 cubic feet. This adaptability enables the Defender 90 to effectively balance passenger comfort with utility, making it suitable for both daily use and adventure trips requiring larger cargo space.

The Defender 90's width is around 1790 mm (70.5 inches), which fits comfortably within the common garage width ranges. However, its height between 1963 mm and 2059 mm (77.3 to 81.1 inches) may present challenges. Typical residential garages usually have a door height of approximately 2030 mm (80 inches). Thus, while the Defender 90 might fit in most garages width-wise, its taller models could potentially be too tall for garages with lower clearance. Owners should measure their garage dimensions carefully before parking the Defender 90 inside.

The Defender 90 (1984-2001) retained much of the rugged, compact footprint characteristic of its earlier Series models but came with incremental changes in dimensions and weight to enhance performance and comfort. Lengthwise, the Defender 90 is similar or slightly longer, while offering improved width and height for better interior space and ground clearance. The updated design improvements maintained the original off-road capabilities but added modern touches and enhanced durability, making the Defender 90 a practical evolution of its predecessors.

Compared to other off-road vehicles of the 1980s and 1990s such as the Jeep Wrangler or Toyota Land Cruiser, the Land Rover Defender 90 is generally more compact in length but taller in height. Its width is moderate, designed to balance cabin comfort and trail navigation. The Defender 90 is notably heavier than many competitors, reflecting its robust build and off-road hardware. Its combination of compact size and ruggedness allows it exceptional off-road capabilities, often surpassing competitors in difficult terrain performance despite sometimes offering less interior volume.

The Land Rover Defender 90 typically uses tires in sizes 205/80 R16 S and 265/75 R16 S. The 205/80 R16 tires offer a good balance between on-road comfort and off-road traction, with a relatively narrower footprint for better maneuvering on rocky and muddy terrain. The wider 265/75 R16 tires provide improved grip and stability in rugged conditions but may reduce fuel efficiency and increase road noise on paved surfaces. These tire sizes are essential for preserving the vehicle's off-road capabilities while maintaining acceptable ride quality.