Maruti Suzuki 800, a car that needs no introduction at all, and if it does, then you know nothing about the Indian automobile industry. One of the longest production cars in India, Maruti 800 was the first offering from the company. At that time, the market was dominated by the likes of HM Ambassador and Premier Padmini. Maruti 800 was launched back in 1983 and was discontinued in 2014, 31 years after ruling the roads. This car remained the highest selling car till 2004 only to be defeated by its own sibling, the Alto.
Maruti 800 was also sold in Pakistan, but with a different name, Suzuki Mehran. It was introduced in Pakistan back in 1988 and was sold up until last year, i.e. 2019. It is the most sold car in the country. It is an entry-level car and people prefer it over other cars due to ruggedness. Now let’s compare both of the cars, or should I say, the same car in different places?
The dimensions
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| Specifications | Maruti 800 | Suzuki Mehran |
| Overall length(mm) | 3,335 | 3,300 |
| Width(mm) | 1,440 | 1,405 |
| Height(mm) | 1,405 | 1,410 |
| Wheelbase(mm) | 2,175 | 2,175 |
| Ground Clearance(mm) | 160 | 160 |
It is clear from the table that Mehran was smaller when compared to the Maruti 800 but was a bit taller though. But overall, the 800 takes a lead here.
Maruti 800 -1; Suzuki Mehran – 0
Maruti 800 vs Suzuki Mehran | Engine Specifications
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| Specifications | Maruti 800 | Suzuki Mehran |
| Engine | F8B MPFI, F8D MPFI | F8A (carburetted), F8B (EFI) |
| Displacement | 796cc | 799cc |
| Power | 37hp, 45hp | 39.42hp, 39hp |
| Torque | 56Nm | 59Nm |
| Transmission | Manual: 4-speed, 5-speed | Manual: 4-speed |
| Top Speed | 145kmph | 140kmph |
| Fuel economy(highway) | 18kmpl | 18kmpl |
Although the engine at the other end, that is, Pakistan was a bit more powerful, fairing both in power as well as the torque, Maruti 800 was able to reach a top speed of over 5kmph more than the Mehran. Till 2012, Mehran was offered with a carbureted engine, while the Indian iteration was always equipped with fuel injection technology. Thus Maruti 800 again takes the lead here.
800 – 2; Mehran – 0
Now as we go further, the 800 had Macpherson Strut and Coil Spring at the front end while coil spring with gas-filled shock absorbers at the rear end. The Pakistani version got Macpherson at the front while leaf springs at the rear. Thus the ride in 800 was more comfortable as compared to the Mehran.
800 – 3; Mehran – 0
Have fun reading: 10 Forgotten Maruti Suzuki Cars in India: From Versa to Esteem
Will the Mehran able to open the scoring account or not. Let’s move further. Talking about the brakes, Maruti 800 was equipped with disc brakes at the front while drum brakes at the rear. On the other hand, Suzuki Mehran had drums at both the ends. 800 again.
800 – 4; Suzuki Mehran – 0
Suzuki Mehran was offered with bare safety equipment till 1995-96 when the seatbelts were first introduced in the car. AC used to heat up the car till 2012 when it was upgraded. Then also the Mehran has been the top-selling car in Pakistan.
Maruti Suzuki 800 used to cost ₹2.15lakh (ex-showroom) in India in 2014. Suzuki Mehran used to cost 7,89,000 in Pakistani Rupees which translates to ₹3,69,500 roughly. This means that even though Mehran used to lack a lot behind the 800, it used to cost more.
I have stopped keeping the count of points scored as Mehran seems to have scored none.
A Fun Read: 10 Legendary Longest Production Cars in India
Maruti 800 surely seems to have a lead over the Pakistani counterpart. Nevertheless, both cars performed well in their respective countries. The 800 is surely the winner in the comparison, although Mehran too is a rebadged Maruti 800 itself.
Another Maruti: Maruti Suzuki Alto | 20 Years of Affordability
I strong believe & most trusted vehicle is Maruti Suzuki 800, & also recommend that this small car may please be reintroduced in the Indian automobile markets bcos it is King of cars. Thanks.
Hi Wajid,
Maruti 800 was indeed the king of cars in its time due to the sales figures. But if we talk about trust, Maruti 800 cannot be expected to meet the safety standards that have been set at present. Although if the company plans to relaunch the LEgend, it will surely make sure that the safety standards are met.
Stay tuned!
Typo on the 1st line. Its supposed to say “you know nothing” instead of “you nothing”
Hi Aaron,
Thanks for letting us know. Stay tuned!
Let me correct you, the mehran in Pakistan is introduced with a F8B engine through out all these years and other correction is there are disc brakes in the front as well…but not drums
Err Maruti 800 did not always come with fuel injection, it was somewhere from 2000 that fuel injection version came out. Maruti 800 did come with a carburetor. How do I know? I have one 1997 model sitting in my garage 🙂