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Animal field guide

Lion vs Tiger

Compare the same curated facts on both sides, with metric and imperial units together.

Side-by-side facts

Lion vs Tiger

Field-guide comparison of Lion and Tiger
Feature Lion Tiger
Scientific namePanthera leoPanthera tigris
DietCarnivoreCarnivore
HabitatSavanna & grasslandForests, mangroves & grassland
Typical lifespan10โ€“14 years10โ€“15 years
Typical adult weight120โ€“250 kg (264.6โ€“551.2 lb)90โ€“310 kg (198.4โ€“683.4 lb)
Typical body length170โ€“250 cm (66.9โ€“98.4 in)180โ€“280 cm (70.9โ€“110.2 in)
Recorded top speed80 km/h (49.7 mph)65 km/h (40.4 mph)
Social groupPrideSolitary

Figures are typical stored ranges, not limits for every individual, sex, subspecies or breed. Body length is nose-to-rump except for very tall species, where the field guide records height.

Direct answer

What the stored figures show

  • Lion has the higher recorded top speed in this field guide.
  • Tiger has the higher upper adult-weight figure in the stored range.
  • Tiger has the higher upper body-length figure in the stored range.
  • Tiger has the higher upper lifespan figure in the stored range.

These figures describe different traits; they do not make either animal universally better.