[binz]

I drive both cars on a lot(my parent's own them)
And i would pick the 7 year old baleno anyday over the 1 old swift.
Why?
The swift rattles.
The swift has a crap driving position.
The swift has almost nil low end torque.I literally die in traffic.
The swift has less power
Too many blind spots courtesy those huge A and C pillars.
Eps v/s hps on the baleno.(power steering)
You will smell the clutch on the swift if you redline the car even once.

The baleno on the other hand,
Powerful
Gives the same mileage as the swift.
Superb AC
94bhp!
110 in second gear.
Zero rattles
Fabulous driving position.
Need i say more?

[Surprise]

Can anyone confirm whether Swift is superior in safety aspects due to its modern design when compared to a Baleno?

[s0uljah]

Originally Posted by binz

The baleno on the other hand,
Powerful
Gives the same mileage as the swift.

From what I hear a nicely tuned Baleno tends to give a higher FE than the Swift. (Yes taking into consideration driving style, rubber etc).

[binz]

Originally Posted by Surprise

Can anyone confirm whether Swift is superior in safety aspects due to its modern design when compared to a Baleno?

Yes 3 star ncap rating.

Originally Posted by s0uljah

From what I hear a nicely tuned Baleno tends to give a higher FE than the Swift. (Yes taking into consideration driving style, rubber etc).

True that!

[mobike008]

If it was me, it would have been an absolute no-brainer for me. Its got to be a Baleno for that price and model and hopefully with a genuine mileage log, it would be a car that you would derive more pleasure

[AirWind]

Here is a comparo, I own a Swift but not a Baleno but have driven it...
+Ves Swift (or -Ves Baleno)
Model still in production, high seating position (easy ingress/egress), high GC, better ride comfort, latest model world over,
-Ves Swift (or +Ves Baleno)
Smaller Boot (misreable infact), low but sufficient power (94 Vs 87 Bhp), miserable low end, rattles, niggling issues,
Neutrals (Deuce)
Maruti A$$, mileage 11kmpl city/15kmpl highway, road presence (Looks for swift and exclusivity for Baleno), old gen engines, reliability

[snaronikar]

@rags: Have you bought or decided on the vehicle? Do update...

[supremeBaleno]

Originally Posted by Surprise

Can anyone confirm whether Swift is superior in safety aspects due to its modern design when compared to a Baleno?

I have no idea about the safety ratings or the effect of the Swift's modern design on safety. But I am sure that the Swift (the model with airbags and ABS) would be more safer to be in than a Baleno (which has neither) in case of an accident.

Originally Posted by binz

The swift has a crap driving position.
The swift has almost nil low end torque.I literally die in traffic.
Too many blind spots courtesy those huge A and C pillars.

Agree about the driving position - never quite got used to it. But then those who drive it regularly might like it. And yes, all-round visibility is hell with the Swift. But the biggest grouse I had was with the low-end torque that you so get used to with the Baleno - have to keep shifting gears in traffic.

No rattles though on my Dad's Swift. And I did redline the car a couple of times (if my Dad were to read this, he would make sure that I never ever get the keys to the Swift ), but did not notice clutch-smell.

[rags]

Guys the baleno got sold for 4.10 was picked up by some body. I'm Hunting for another baleno preferably low run one. Now decided to go for baleno only.

Now onwards its better to freeze the deal by paying some token advance. I had negotiated for Rs 3.60 lakhs but didn't pay the advance to freeze it. The seller was luckly to get a better price because of my stupidity.

[five46]

Never mind rags!!

Jus go around Maruti True Value Showrooms, who knows you may be lucky again to get a Baleno! This time your choice is clear, but do check with the car thoroughly before you buy, because Baleno is built for a enthu driver and negligence to its maintenance might take out the fun you want to/would get with the Baleno...

[Surprise]

I too missed a excellent OHC 1.5 way back in '04 because of non-payment of advance though everything is finalized. Else I would be happily driving an OHC all these days.

Hardluck rags. You will understand how difficult to find a clean car with correct price