2009 Tata Nano vs. 1998 Honda Life
To start off, 2009 Tata Nano is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Honda Life. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Honda Life would be higher. At 656 cc (3 cylinders), 1998 Honda Life is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Honda Life (47 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2009 Tata Nano. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life should accelerate faster than 2009 Tata Nano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Honda Life weights approximately 190 kg more than 2009 Tata Nano. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Honda Life is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2009 Tata Nano. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Honda Life will offer significantly more control. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Honda Life (57 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Tata Nano. (48 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1998 Honda Life will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Tata Nano. 1998 Honda Life has automatic transmission and 2009 Tata Nano has manual transmission. 2009 Tata Nano will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Honda Life will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Tata Nano | 1998 Honda Life | |
| Make | Tata | Honda |
| Model | Nano | Life |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 624 cc | 656 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 47 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 48 Nm | 57 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 600 kg | 790 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3099 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1495 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1652 mm | 1660 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2370 mm |
