The Honda Amaze and Maruti Suzuki Dzire remain two of India’s most sought-after sub-4-metre sedans, each receiving recent updates with refreshed styling and upgraded features. However, while the latest Dzire debuts an all-new petrol engine, the Amaze retains its familiar powerplant. This begs the question: Does Maruti’s modern engine give it a performance edge, or does Honda’s tried-and-tested motor still hold its own?
Engine & Transmission: Power vs. Refinement
Both sedans come with 1.2-litre petrol engines, but their configurations differ. The Honda Amaze houses a four-cylinder unit producing 89hp and 110Nm, paired with a 7-step CVT. Meanwhile, the Maruti Suzuki Dzire features a three-cylinder engine generating 82hp and 112Nm, coupled with a 5-speed AMT.
| Specification | Honda Amaze | Maruti Dzire |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.2L, 4-cylinder petrol | 1.2L, 3-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 89hp | 82hp |
| Torque | 110Nm | 112Nm |
| Transmission | 7-step CVT | 5-speed AMT |
| Kerb Weight | 986kg | 960kg |
| Power-to-Weight | 90.2hp/tonne | 85.4hp/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight | 111.5Nm/tonne | 116.6Nm/tonne |
Despite being 26kg heavier, the Amaze maintains a superior power-to-weight ratio, while the Dzire slightly edges ahead in torque-to-weight. The battle between these two sedans is tight, but real-world performance tells the true story.
Acceleration: Amaze Pulls Ahead
When comparing outright acceleration, the Dzire benefits from its lighter weight and higher torque at lower speeds, allowing it to pull away quickly from a standstill. However, as speeds climb, the Amaze’s extra horsepower gives it the advantage.
| Speed (kph) | Honda Amaze (sec) | Maruti Dzire (sec) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 1.76 | 1.43 |
| 40 | 4.10 | 3.27 |
| 60 | 6.41 | 6.73 |
| 80 | 9.21 | 10.49 |
| 100 | 13.12 | 15.21 |
| 120 | 18.23 | 20.61 |
The Dzire gains an early advantage, reaching 40kph nearly a second quicker. However, from 60kph onwards, the Amaze overtakes and maintains its lead, hitting 100kph over two seconds faster than its rival.
In-Gear Acceleration: Smoother CVT vs. Jerky AMT
While the Dzire’s AMT offers convenience, its shifts can feel sluggish under acceleration. In contrast, the Amaze’s CVT, despite some rubber-band effect, delivers smoother and more consistent performance.
| Speed Range (kph) | Honda Amaze (sec) | Maruti Dzire (sec) |
|---|---|---|
| 20-80 | 8.91 | 8.95 |
| 40-100 | 10.43 | 11.18 |
The differences are marginal in city-speed acceleration, but at higher speeds, the Amaze completes 40-100kph almost a second quicker, making overtakes easier.
Price & Value
The Amaze’s pricing starts at ₹8.19 lakh, going up to ₹11.29 lakh for the top variants. The Dzire, on the other hand, is more affordable, beginning at ₹6.84 lakh and maxing out at ₹10.19 lakh.
Verdict: Which One Should You Pick?
- If you prioritize smooth, refined performance with a quicker 0-100kph time, the Honda Amaze is the better choice.
- If cost-efficiency and a lower starting price matter more, the Maruti Dzire is a strong contender.
Both sedans cater to different driving preferences, making the final decision a matter of comfort vs. affordability rather than outright performance.
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