What are some of the best performance cars, or top sports cars in India? What makes them high-performance car models? Today, we are looking at the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate. Let’s see how their variants compare with each other in terms of performance.
In this article, we will share
- What a performance enthusiast should look for in a car
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara vs Honda Elevate – 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 seek fast cars that deliver exhilarating driving experiences. They prioritize robust engine power and torque for quick acceleration and high top speeds. Handling in quick cars is crucial, so features like minimal body roll, high-speed stability, and responsive agility are key.
A performance car should also have an efficient transmission system, whether manual or advanced automatic, to ensure smooth power delivery and quick gear shifts. Additionally, enthusiasts often look for well-designed traction control and suspension systems to enhance driving dynamics.
The overall build quality, including vibration and harshness levels, also contributes to the driving pleasure of performance-oriented vehicles.
Why Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate are Popular
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate are popular among performance enthusiasts for their unique blend of power, handling, and design.
The Grand Vitara, with its 101.64 BHP engine and 136.8 Nm torque, provides a balanced performance. Its stable high-speed handling, moderate body roll, and good agility make it a desirable choice for those seeking a responsive and engaging drive.
The Grand Vitara’s front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration and 5-speed transmission system offer a smooth driving experience, though it may not cater to those seeking more aggressive performance.
The Honda Elevate steps up in performance with a slightly more powerful engine at 119.35 BHP and 145 Nm torque, combined with a 6-speed transmission. This enhances its acceleration and top-speed capabilities, making it more appealing to enthusiasts.
The Elevate also boasts features like LED headlights for improved visibility, traction control, and electronic stability control (ESC) for safer handling at high speeds.
Both models stand out for their well-designed ergonomics, seat comfort, and overall build quality, which are important for enthusiasts who appreciate a well-rounded performance vehicle. Their modern and sleek designs add to the aesthetic appeal, complementing their performance characteristics.
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda ElevateVariants Shortlist in Rs 10-12 Lakh Range
For Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 January 2024 |
| Sigma | ₹10,70,000 |
For Honda Elevate, we have:
| Variant | Price (INR) as on 24 January 2024 |
| SV | ₹11,00,000 |
Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma
The Grand Vitara Sigma offers a moderate level of performance with its 101.64 BHP engine and 136.8 Nm torque. Its stable handling and moderate agility make it a good choice for enthusiasts looking for a balanced driving experience.
The 5-speed transmission provides smooth power delivery, though the lack of turbocharging may limit its appeal to those seeking more aggressive performance. If you’re budget conscious, you can check out our comparison of the Grand Vitara with Volkswagen Taigun.
Honda Elevate SV
The Elevate SV steps up in the performance arena with a 119.35 BHP engine and 145 Nm torque. Its 6-speed transmission enhances the driving experience with better acceleration and responsiveness.
The inclusion of LED headlights, traction control, and ESC adds to its safety and handling capabilities, making it more appealing to performance enthusiasts. If you’re a gadget lover, you can check out our comparison of the Elevate with Skoda Slavia.
Our Pick for the Best Variant Among Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara and Honda Elevate for Performance Enthusiasts
Considering the needs of a performance enthusiast, the Honda Elevate SV is the best variant among the options. Priced at ₹11,00,000, it provides a compelling blend of power and handling.
The 119.35 BHP engine combined with 145 Nm torque ensures quick acceleration and a higher top speed, catering to the thrill of speed. The 6-speed transmission system further enhances the driving experience by offering responsive gear shifts and efficient power delivery.
The Elevate SV’s advanced features like LED headlights, traction control, and ESC are significant for performance driving, providing enhanced safety and stability at high speeds. Additionally, the well-designed ergonomics and seat comfort contribute to a more enjoyable and controlled driving experience.
While the Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma also offers a stable and moderate performance, it falls slightly short in terms of engine power and advanced performance features compared to the Honda Elevate SV. Thus, for an enthusiast looking for a more dynamic and engaging driving experience, the Honda Elevate SV stands out as the superior choice.
The 2 Variants Compared
| Feature | Honda Elevate SV | Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma |
| Engine Power (BHP) | 119.35 | 101.64 |
| Engine Torque (Nm) | 145 | 136.8 |
| Transmission – # of gears | 6 | 5 |
| Traction Control | Yes | No |
| ESC | Yes | Yes |
| Price | ₹11,00,000 | ₹10,70,000 |
How to Pick the Right Car for You
- Honda Elevate SV: This variant stands out for its superior engine power and torque, combined with a 6-speed transmission, making it the top choice for performance enthusiasts. The additional safety and handling features like traction control and ESC further enhance its appeal.
- Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma: Although offering lower engine power and a 5-speed transmission, it provides a stable and enjoyable driving experience at a slightly lower price, making it a viable option for those seeking a balance between performance and budget.
For performance enthusiasts, the Honda Elevate SV is the clear winner with its enhanced power, responsive transmission, and advanced handling features. The Maruti Suzuki Grand Vitara Sigma, while more modest in performance capabilities, still provides a stable and enjoyable drive for those looking for a well-rounded vehicle at a more affordable price.
If you’re interested in reading more such face-to-face comparisons of popular car variants, head over to our Buying Advice section.
