2012 Tata Nano vs. 2009 Fiat Panda
To start off, 2012 Tata Nano is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2009 Fiat Panda. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2009 Fiat Panda would be higher. At 1,242 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Fiat Panda is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Fiat Panda (59 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 24 more horse power than 2012 Tata Nano. (35 HP @ 5250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda should accelerate faster than 2012 Tata Nano. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Fiat Panda weights approximately 353 kg more than 2012 Tata Nano. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Tata Nano is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2012 Tata Nano. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Fiat Panda, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Fiat Panda (102 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Tata Nano. (48 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2009 Fiat Panda will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Tata Nano. 2009 Fiat Panda has automatic transmission and 2012 Tata Nano has manual transmission. 2012 Tata Nano will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Fiat Panda will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Tata Nano | 2009 Fiat Panda | |
| Make | Tata | Fiat |
| Model | Nano | Panda |
| Year Released | 2012 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 624 cc | 1242 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 2 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 59 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 48 Nm | 102 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73.5 mm | 70.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 73.5 mm | 78.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 600 kg | 953 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3099 mm | 3540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1495 mm | 1600 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1652 mm | 1580 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2230 mm | 2310 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 4.2 L/100km | 5.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 37 L | 35 L |
