My Alto Vs Loaner Santro (A comparo)

[jits_1998]

Hi Guys,

I seek your views on my experience on driving Santro(s) for a 35 km one way trip.

On friday we had a company outing to a resort 35 kms, mostly crowded (bad) roads. I drove a colleague's santro (5500 km old) to the resort and return another Santro (77km old). Though Santro was amazingly less tiring compared to my alto, but I think it lacked the fun that I can have on my alto. When I reached office and picked my Alto to drive home, it was like I am back to my first love after flirting with some girls

The gear system was very different, far less distance to cover while changing gear, and the seats very stiff, good for my back. I think these were the main factors that helped in driving. Also one major thing I noticed was it did not require me to change gear to 2nd from 3rd very quickly as Alto needs to do. Though about Santro gear system one thing was annoying, while changing from 5th to 4th, it won't just go when I push the lever back, while that works perfect in my alto.

Wondering if there are any other factor that led to less tiring drive. Comments please.

[jkdas]

Are we comparing a Alto 1.1 ?
or an Alto LX (LXi)

To me, fun should be there but shouldnt be tiring. I am fedup saying "Let's Go" to my Alto every time I pedal it to floor.

[dadu]

Apart from it, you get a higher viewing seat position, straight posture and the torque, that why you dont need to shift down more often.

The gearshift issue is due to you not being used to it.

Didnt you notice the pickup the moment you floor the throttle !!

Originally Posted by jits_1998

The gear system was very different, far less distance to cover while changing gear, and the seats very stiff, good for my back. I think these were the main factors that helped in driving. Also one major thing I noticed was it did not require me to change gear to 2nd from 3rd very quickly as Alto needs to do. Though about Santro gear system one thing was annoying, while changing from 5th to 4th, it won't just go when I push the lever back, while that works perfect in my alto.

Wondering if there are any other factor that led to less tiring drive. Comments please.

[Technocrat]

Are we comparing a Alto 1.1 ?
or an Alto LX (LXi)

I think he has the 800cc one

you get a higher viewing seat position, straight posture and the torque, that why you dont need to shift down more often.

I agree on torque but how does seat position & posture have impact on frequent shifting ??

[abhibh]

Well compared to Alto Santro is a better car any day in the following:
1. Visibility
2. Pickup
3. Easy to take turns due to less turning radius

But yes it lacks the fun but its still a better car overall.

[NetfreakBombay]

Alto's main advantage is price... (that was my reason for choosing it). Santro with power steering/AC costs 50k more then Alto. That is on-road, mumbai.

Is 50k worth the difference? That depends on individual I guess.

[jkdas]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

Alto's main advantage is price... (that was my reason for choosing it). Santro with power steering/AC costs 50k more then Alto. That is on-road, mumbai.

Is 50k worth the difference? That depends on individual I guess.

For 50K you get more space, comfort and power. Its worth the 50K.

[jits_1998]

Alto's main advantage is price...

Nothing beats an alto in terms of price for sure, and amazing resale, almost unbelievable

I haven't faced any issues with pick up in Alto, as I am more of Ajay Devgan in Cash type of driver . But yeah with a/c there is marked difference in Alto, but I think Santro had very little difference compared to Alto.

But yeah high visibility could be one thing that I could not differentiate, but it should make a difference.

On a/c i think Alto is very good, I have had people sitting in my Alto in the back seat feeling cold in Hyderabad, thats a big deal anyday.

Is there any car from maruti stable with this kind of tireless driving. I am a maruti fan, primarily for their True Value outlets.

[rranjith_kum]

The gear shift of Santro is absolute delight, torque at low rpm might have made you feel to shift often. Its a very practical city car. there are cons of using the santro but they are blinded away by the pros

[NetfreakBombay]

Originally Posted by jkdas

For 50K you get more space, comfort and power. Its worth the 50K.

You do get that, but "worth" is always relative. If you spend 5 lakh more you get even better space, power and comfort in Cedia

For me, spending that on a cool Car PC is worth much more.

But my commute is just 10 KM in a day so I don't represent a typical mumbai commuter.

[jits_1998]

Originally Posted by NetfreakBombay

But my commute is just 10 KM in a day so I don't represent a typical mumbai commuter.

Mine is 5 kms per day .. so given its avg of 13.5 driving at any speed, its the best deal :-D.

But for long hours I would think more "expensive" cars have their advantage.

[gods-envy]

my driving is about 55kms a day....so dropped the plan for an alto...
i think its low seats will take a toll on my back..

still trying to finalise on a nice city car...Santro has been one of my choices, but I am not such a big fan of Santros

[Jeep]

Ideally, the comparison must be done between Santro and Wagon R (not Alto).
Makes me think, is it time for MUL to launch a new model to replace Wagon R (Estilo being a failure)?

[NetfreakBombay]

Yes, there is a place for a car that has more power then Alto but is in similar price range.

[greenhorn]

there was one , the 1.1l Alto, but maruti killed it