Witness what happens when a over-confident Tata Punch owner challenges a Mahindra Thar owner for an off-road duel in 4×2 mode
Tata Punch has not just outsold every other micro-SUV but has even come across as one of the safest B-segment offering. It offers a solid built, spacious interior and a good ride quality. Even though its high ground clearance and just-about-sufficient grunt from the engine helps it conquer broken roads and slightly challenging terrains, it’s far from an ideal off-roader. On the other hand, though, we have the Mahindra Thar – a off-road specialist that needs no introduction. But the owner of a Punch thought it was a good idea to challenge a Thar for an off-road battle. His only condition here was that the Thar had to be in 4×2 mode.
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Tata Punch vs Mahindra Thar in Off Road Challenge
The Tata Punch and the Mahindra Thar got together at a rather treacherous terrain. Interestingly, the owner of the micro-SUV felt his vehicle was the perfect match for the Thar; his only condition being that the Thar had to be driven in 4×2 mode. However, as soon as the Punch started to show off its off-roading prowess, it encountered a pretty steep declines and got stuck. Soon, one of its rear wheel lost traction as it got lifted in the air. Meanwhile, the front-end was dangerously close to batting out. Frightened the car might topple over, the on-lookers forced the owner to stop trying.
Meanwhile, the owner of the Mahindra Thar sprung into action and effortlessly pulled the Punch out of the ditch. While the off-road battle was called off, the Thar’s 4×4 system, enhanced ground clearance, and superior off-road capabilities give a huge edge over cars that are strictly made for on-road use. It’s, in fact, completely surprising that the Punch owner not just over-estimated his car’s capabilities. The specs comparison table below clearly highlights the advantages Thar enjoys over the B-segment micro-SUV.
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| Specs | Tata Punch | Mahindra Thar |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L Petrol | 2.2-litre, turbocharged diesel, 2.0-litre, turbocharged Petrol |
| Maximum Power | 84 bhp | 118 bhp, 150 bhp |
| Torque | 113 Nm | 300 Nm. 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual, 5-speed AMT | 6-Speed Manual, 6-speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4×2 (FWD) | 4×4 |
| Ground Clearance | 190 mm | 226 mm |
| Approach Angle | 16 degrees | 41 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 19 degrees | 36 degrees |
| Wheelbase | 2,450 mm | 2,450 mm |
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Conclusion
While the tough built of the Tata Punch, coupled with the high ground clearance, makes it sufficiently rugged, the lack of a 4×4 drivetrain and low Approach and Departure Angles prove to be a significant disadvantage in this off-roading challenge. The Mahindra Thar, with its great off-road capabilities, didn’t even have to try and outshine its competitor as it automatically emerged as the winner at the very start of the battle. What’s even funnier is that the Punch’s driver, though over-confident, needed the assistance of the Thar to rescue it. In the world of off-roading, it’s crucial to choose a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrains. The Tata Punch certainly has its merits but falls short when pitted against the Mahindra Thar.
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