As you know we have been comprehensively comparing the recently launched Ford Classic: rechristened Ford Fiesta Classic, with other entry level compact sedans. We compared the Ford Classic VS 2012 Maruti Swift Dzire and Ford Classic Vs Toyota Etios lately, and now we are going to compare the same with another car that was re-launched a couple of days ago. Today’s comparison will be between Ford Classic and 2012 Mahindra Verito.
Exterior Comparison
Starting with the Ford Classic, Ford has not given the car a complete makeover and has rather opted making little alterations here and there. The overall design remains the same but it looks slightly more appealing because of the new set of alloys, boot spoiler, honeycomb mesh chrome grille etc. In terms of built it is quite solid and also the proportions of the car are considerably good.
In spite of being a good car, the Mahindra Verito has hardly got any attention from prospective buyers majorly because of its dated looks. Therefore Mahindra & Mahindra has launched the 2012 Verito with plenty of changes on the exterior that could interest people. The changes include new front fascia, new grille with chrome, new lid on the boot, clear lens headlamps and tail lamps, new eyebrow headlamps, new front and rear bumper, new alloy wheels, new side cladding and a new dashboard design.
Ford Classic Dimensions
- Overall Length : 4282mm
- Overall Width : 1686mm
- Overall Height : 1468mm
- Overall Wheelbase : 2486mm
2012 Mahindra Verito Dimensions
- Overall length (mm): 4277
- Overall width (mm): 1740
- Height (mm): 1540
- Wheel base (mm): 2630
Going by the dimensions of the two cars we see that Classic has a marginally better overall length but despite that the Verito offers a much longer wheelbase meaning you will get enough legroom. In terms of width and height, once again the Verito takes the lead.
Interiors Comparison
image – Ford Classic Interior
Ford has focused more on the exteriors of the Classic and have downgraded (replaced all wood panels with black plastics) the passenger cabin which is well justified as per the lowered price tag. And to make the car even more luring the company is now offering plenty of good features which one cannot overlook. The list of features include Bluetooth equipped audio system which can not only take calls, but also read phone’s contacts over Bluetooth for hassle free driving experience, dual Airbags at front, ABS , Beige Interiors, speed sensing volume control, electronic boot lid release, front and rear fog lamps, rear defogger, music system, collapsible steering column, central locking, Passive Anti Theft System etc.
image – Mahindra Verito Interior
Mahindra does know the demand of Indian customers and working on the feedback it received from buyers, it has redesigned the dashboard for the 2012 Verito. The dashboard does look better now but there are not enough changes to impress you. Features include 2 DIN audio system (new), conveniently placed power window switches (new), electrically adjustable ORVMs (new), variometric AC with electronic controls and fast cooling (new), front and rear head restrains, front door map pockets, rear defogger, remote locking and central locking, beige interiors with fabric upholstery, fabric door trims, driver side airbag on top end D6 model, engine immobilizer, child locks for rear doors, ABS and EBD in top end model D6 etc.
Engine Comparison
Ford Classic Engines
Ford Classic Petrol
- Engine: 1.6 litre Duratec
- Type: 4 cylinder in-line, 16 Valve DOHC
- Displacement: 1596 CC
- Max power: 101 BHP @ 6500 RPM
- Max torque: 146 Nm @ 3400 RPM
- Transmission: 5 speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 21.27 KMPL
Ford Classic Diesel
- Engine: 1.4 litre Duratorq
- Type: 4 cylinder in-line 8 Valve SOHC
- Displacement: 1399 CC
- Max Power: 68 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Max Torque: 160 Nm @ 2000 RPM
- Transmission: 5 speed manual
- Fuel Efficiency: 32.38 KMPL (Auto Cross Country Drive figure)
Mahindra Verito Engines
Mahindra Verito Petrol
- 1.4 Litre MPFI Petrol engine
- 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve, 1390 CC displacement
- Peak power of 75 BHP @ 5500 RPM
- Peak torque of 110 Nm @ 3000 RPM
- Kerb Weight of 1080 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 69.44 BHP per 1000 Kg
- Mileage: Around 14 KMPL.
Mahindra Verito Diesel
- 1.5 Litre dCi CRDI Diesel Engine
- 4 Cylinder, 8 Valve, 1461 CC displacement
- Peak power of 65 BHP @ 4000 RPM
- Peak torque of 160 Nm @ 2000 RPM
- Kerb Weight of 1140 Kg
- Power to weight ratio of 57 BHP per 1000 Kg
- ARAI certified mileage of 21.03 KMPL
Talking about the petrol variants first, the Classic features a 1.6 litre engine that delivers 101 BHP of max power and 146 Nm of peak torque. The Verito on the other hand has a 1.4 litre petrol unit that delivers 75 BHP of max power and 110 Nm of torque. Comparing them on fuel efficiency terms the Classic returns 21.27 KMPL whereas the Verito returns around 14 KMPL. So clearly the Classic Petrol is much better both in power and fuel efficiency.
Coming to the diesel variants, the Classic sports a 1.4 litre duratorq diesel engine that delivers 68 BHP of max power and 160 Nm of peak torque. The Verito is on par with its slightly bigger, 1.5 litre dCi diesel engine that offers 65 BHP of power and 160 Nm of torque. Both the diesel cars have similar outputs, however there is a great difference between the mileage of the two. The Classic returns an astonishing 32.38 KMPL (Auto Cross Country Drive figure) while the Verito returns 21 KMPL. So once again the Classic seems to be better option.
Performance & Handling
Ford has always surprised us with the level of control its cars offer and the Classic is no exception. The handling is super accurate and you would love throwing it around corners and sharp bends. The gearbox is very responsive, though it would take a while before you get used to it. The suspension strikes the perfect balance between great ride and pure comfort.
It rides well as the suspension has been lifted up slightly and the quality achieved is good enough. The handling is also good but it is not as precise as the Classic.
Price Comparison
Ford Classic Price List
Ford Classic Petrol price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol LXi is priced at Rs. 5.54 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol CLXi is priced at Rs. 6.19 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratec 1.6 Petrol Titanium is priced at Rs. 6.86 Lakhs
Ford Classic Diesel price ex-showroom Delhi is as follows:
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel LXi is priced at Rs. 6.81 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel CLXi is priced at Rs. 7.23 Lakhs
- Ford Classic Duratorq 1.4 Diesel Titanium is priced at Rs. 7.82 Lakhs
Mahindra Verito Price List
2012 Mahindra Verito Petrol Model ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:
- Mahindra Verito G2 Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.27 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito G4 Petrol is priced at Rs. 5.49 Lakhs
2012 Mahindra Verito Diesel Model ex-showroom Delhi prices are as follows:
- Mahindra Verito D2 Diesel is priced at Rs. 6.26 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito D4 Diesel is priced at Rs. 6.48 Lakhs
- Mahindra Verito D6 Diesel is priced at Rs. 7.14 Lakhs
Ford Classic LXi (Petrol & Diesel) Vs Mahindra Verito G2/ G4 Petrol/D4 Diesel
The base Classic petrol LXi is priced at 5.54 lakh INR whereas the base Verito G2 Petrol is priced at 5.27 lakh INR. But the closest Verito Petrol variant to be compared in terms of pricing is the G4 top-end which is priced at 5.49 lakh INR. Definitely the Verito G4 petrol seems to be a better option as it is 5,000 INR cheaper but what disappoints us is the fact that in spite of being the top-end petrol variant, it does not come with ABS & EBD, driver airbag, alloy wheels and other important features. But definitely it is better than the LXi Classic base variant at this price.
Coming to the diesel variants now, the base LXi Classic diesel is priced at 6.81 lakh INR whereas the closest competitor from Verito diesel line-up is the D4 middle variant priced at 6.48 lakh INR. Once again Mahindra has priced it competitively and it is almost 30k cheaper. So if you are a price conscious buyer, I would suggest you to go with Verito.
Ford Classic CLXi/Titanium Vs Mahindra Verito D6 Diesel
The Classic CLXi diesel is not the top end variant and is priced at 7.23 lakh INR. The top end Verito D6 diesel is priced at 7.14 lakh INR which is almost 10k cheaper. In terms of features you will get all that is there on the brochure but it is not the case with CLXi Classic. Since the CLXi is positioned below the top end variant you will have to sacrifice on features.
If you are willing to pay more for a feature rich variant, the Classic Titanium: petrol and diesel top end variants priced at 6.86 lakh and 7.82 lakh INR respectively, would be great options as they will offer better comfort and features. Although they are on the pricier side but you will get all the features such as dual airbags, ABS, EBD, Bluetooth equipped audio system and more. And if you are concerned about fuel efficiency, again they delivers well and won’t disappoint you.
Car Blog India Verdict – Ford Classic Vs Mahindra Verito 2012
The Verito is targeted at buyers who want an easy to drive everyday car that is appreciable on mileage and performance, great on interior space and most importantly is significantly cheaper. If you want better features and are ready to shed few extra thousands, the Classic is good option. In space and value for money the Verito is better option whereas in features, fit & finish, ride and handling and mileage, the Classic is better. Do share your opinion and suggestion by leaving a comment below.
