Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Honda Amaze: A Comparison of Their Variants Under Rs 9 Lakh for Performance Enthusiasts

What are some of the best performance cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we take a look at the Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze, and find out why they appeal to performance enthusiasts.

In this article, we will share

• What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
• Maruti Suzuki Swift vs Honda Amaze – a comprehensive analysis of their variants, performance and features
• How to pick the right car for you

What a Performance Enthusiast looks for in a car

Here’s what to look for in a car as a performance enthusiast:

• Acceleration and Speed – How quickly a car accelerates, what is its top speed
• Power – How it pulls weight, how is its high speed stability, does it feel strained while going up the hills, or with AC on
• Agility – How it behaves while turning at speeds
• Driving Experience/Handling – Is the gearbox smooth and responsive, how is its steering/braking performance

Performance enthusiasts thrive on speed, agility, and control. They seek vehicles that respond promptly to their commands, ensuring a seamless blend between man and machine. The essence of acceleration, the roar of a finely-tuned engine, and the assurance of high-speed stability form their automotive nirvana. 

Key attributes such as engine power, torque, agility, and a swift transmission are not merely specifications, but a gateway to an exhilarating driving experience in fast cars. Beyond performance, minimal body roll, responsive handling, and a robust set of driver assistance features add to the allure, promising a ride that’s as safe as it is thrilling.

Why Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze are Popular

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze have etched their popularity among performance enthusiasts for significant reasons. 

Swift, with its peppy engine, quick acceleration, and agile handling, encapsulates a fun-to-drive spirit. The lightweight chassis enhances its responsiveness, making every drive an engaging experience. 

Honda Amaze, on the other hand, boasts a balanced performance with its smooth power delivery and stable high-speed behavior. Its engine is tuned for a blend of efficiency and adequate punch, appealing to those who enjoy a spirited drive now and then. 

The offerings of manual and automatic transmissions in both models cater to a broad spectrum of driving preferences. The decent ground clearance, body stability, and array of driver assistance features like rear parking sensors and cruise control add an extra layer of appeal. 

These quick cars hit a sweet spot by offering a good blend of performance, handling, and practical features, creating a value proposition hard to overlook by any performance enthusiast.

Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze Variants Shortlist in Rs 8-9 Lakh Range

For Maruti Suzuki Swift, we have:

Variant	Price (INR) as on 25 September 2023
ZXI Plus	₹829,000
ZXI Plus DT	₹843,000

For Honda Amaze, we have:

 

Variant	Price (INR) as on 25 September 2023
S CVT	₹857,000
VX	₹878,000

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus and ZXI Plus DT

Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus and ZXI Plus DT variants come with a 1.2L petrol engine churning out 88.5 BHP and 113 Nm torque, ensuring quick acceleration and linear power delivery. The light clutch and 5-speed transmission complement its agile handling, making it a go-to choice for enthusiasts seeking spirited performance within city limits and open roads alike.

The ZXI Plus DT variant, with its dual-tone exterior, stands slightly ahead in terms of aesthetic appeal. If you’re a first-time car buyer, you can check out our comparison of the Swift with Hyundai Grand i10 Nios.

Honda Amaze S CVT and VX

Honda Amaze S CVT and VX variants host a similar 1.2L petrol engine delivering 88.5 BHP and 110 Nm torque. While not as peppy as the Swift, they offer a balanced performance with a seamless CVT transmission in S CVT variant and a 5-speed manual in the VX variant. 

They appeal to those who prefer a smooth, stable drive with the added benefit of Honda’s reliability. However, the VX variant stands out with a more feature-packed offering including a touchscreen and alloy wheels. If you’re a tech-savvy gadget lover, you can read our comparison of the Amaze with Maruti Baleno and Nissan Magnite.

Our Pick for the Best variant among Maruti Suzuki Swift and Honda Amaze for Performance Enthusiasts

Considering the essence of performance, Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus edges ahead with its agile handling, quick engine responsiveness, and a well-tuned 5-speed manual transmission. The light clutch action, combined with its nimble character, makes city driving a breeze and open-road ventures thrilling. Its engine power and torque provide a perfect blend for enthusiastic drives. 

The ZXI Plus holds its composure at high speeds, offering a reassuring drive. Although Honda Amaze variants provide a balanced performance, the Swift ZXI Plus strikes a chord with enthusiasts, thanks to its sporty demeanor and engaging driving dynamics. If you’re conscious about your budget, you can read our guide to the best Swift variants for you.

The Top 3 choices

1. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus
2. Maruti Suzuki Swift ZXI Plus DT
3. Honda Amaze VX

Attributes	Swift ZXI Plus	Swift ZXI Plus DT	Honda Amaze VX
# of cylinders	4	4	4
Acceleration (0-100 km/h)	14 sec	14 sec	13 sec
Agility	Agile	Agile	Agile
Drive Type (FWD/RWD/4WD)	FWD	FWD	FWD
Engine – power (BHP)	88.5	88.5	88.5
Engine – Torque (Nm)	113	113	110
High-Speed Stability	Stable	Stable	Stable
Power delivery	Linear	Linear	Linear
Transmission – # of gears	5	5	5

How to Pick the Right Car for You

• The Swift ZXI Plus and ZXI Plus DT, with their slight edge in torque and engaging driving dynamics, are ideal for those seeking a spirited drive. 
• The Honda Amaze VX, while not as sporty, offers a balanced performance with a smattering of additional features making it a decent alternative. 

These three variants stand out for a performance enthusiast due to their competent engines, agile handling, and stable high-speed behavior. The encapsulation of performance attributes within a reasonable price bracket makes these variants an attractive proposition for performance enthusiasts, serving the thirst for adrenaline, yet not compromising on essential features and comfort.

If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.