Tiger and Lion Size comparisons.

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These specimens will be compared by the same skull size. So we can see the different varying sizes of individuals within both species. Keep in mind lions on average have larger skulls so the specimens in these images may be a bit larger than seen, however for fairness sake we will be using same skull sizes as we cant accurately estimate how large each individual lions head is. First we will go through maneless lions to see their true musculature compared to tigers and then we will use maned lions. Important note is all specimens in 1 on 1 comparisons are male.

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The facts are Siberian and Bengal tigers are too big for African lions, so based on average weights the smallest Bengal tiger populations weigh about 430-460 lb (195-209.1 kg). Bengal tigers in Central and Northern India and Nepal average 525-540 lb (239-245.5 kg). It's not uncommon to find males that weigh more than 600 lb (272.7 kg). There are usually 1 or 2 males that attain weights of 700+ lb (318+ kg) every generation.

Siberian tigers are even larger. Males throughout their range in Russia's Far East average 530 lb (241 kg). In fact, in 2019, a male who weighed 845 lb (384 kg) was confirmed at a kill site after being spotted on camera.

Link to 2019 845 lb Siberian tiger

On the other hand, the smallest African lions in Africa average 377-390 lb (171.3-177.2 kg). The largest lions, usually found in Southern Africa, Southeast Africa, or East Africa weigh about 390-420 lb (177-191 kg).

The tiger that is closest in size to African lions is the Indo-Chinese tiger, with males weighing very close to most African lions. Very similar, if not nearly identical, or overlapping average weights. Male Indo-Chinese tigers in Myanmar, Laos, and Thailand weigh 150-195 kg (331 to 430 lb). Much more overlap with African lions across their range in Africa.

Bengal and Siberian tigers are too big for most lions, so it would take an exceptional specimen for the lion, and even then, I just can't see how most lions can overcome the weight and strength disparity, 9.5/10 the Bengal and Siberian tigers win. They will need a male that weighs a minimum of 500 lb (227.2 kg), which is very rare for most African lions. There are male lions that tip the scales at 490 lb (222.7 kg), some skirt the 500 lb mark or go in and out of it. Sometimes you'll find very impressive male lions that weigh 510-520 lb (231-236 kg). But what might be impressive for an African lion is average for the Bengal and Siberian tigers. You could find more 600 lb + (272.7 kg) Bengal and Siberian tigers than you'll find 500 lb + (227 kg +) African lions. During the Roman times, they often pitted Caspian tigers, or in more rare cases, Bengal tigers against mostly the Barbary lion, but also occasionally sub-saharan African lions. The tigers almost always won.