Tata Motors has sent shockwaves through the Indian SUV market with the heavily updated versions of the Harrier and Safari SUVs. The new Tata Harrier and Safari have become much more appealing than ever before, thanks to significant exterior and interior tweaks and many new features. However, one area where the new Harrier and Safari remain unchanged is under the hood, as both retain the same diesel powertrain and transmission choices as before. A YouTube channel recently conducted a comparison test between the new Tata Harrier and a Stage-1 tuned Skoda Kushaq 1.0 manual to assess the former’s performance, and the results might surprise you.
A video uploaded by the YouTube channel of Rohan Makania features a brand-new Tata Harrier Dark Edition competing with a Stage-1 tuned Skoda Kushaq. At first glance, the Tata Harrier, equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine producing 170 PS and 350 Nm of torque, mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, might seem like a far superior combination compared to the Stage-1 tuned Skoda Kushaq. The Kushaq is equipped with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine tuned to produce 140 PS of power and 240 Nm of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
On paper, the Tata Harrier holds a significant advantage in both power and torque outputs, making it the expected winner between the two. However, when the drag race commences between the two SUVs, the Stage-1 tuned Skoda Kushaq pulls ahead of the Tata Harrier with a significant lead. The presenters put both SUVs on a flat stretch of road for another round of drag racing, and once again, the Kushaq emerges as the clear winner.
Power to weight ratio
The scientific reason behind the Kushaq’s victory lies in the power-to-weight ratio of both SUVs. The Skoda Kushaq weighs significantly less than the Tata Harrier, and with the power and torque boosts it received from the Stage-1 tuning, it has become much more agile and responsive. Additionally, the turbo lag in the Kushaq is much less pronounced than in the Harrier, further contributing to its victory.
It’s important to note that both of these SUVs are designed for family-oriented use and are not racing machines. Drag racing such heavy SUVs on public roads can be dangerous and puts not only the driver’s life at risk but also endangers the lives of other motorists.
