The Tata Punch is one of the best-selling compact SUVs in India, consistently featuring in the top sales charts. While its primary rival is the Hyundai Exter, the Nissan Magnite in its naturally aspirated (NA) petrol guise also emerges as a close competitor, offering similar size and pricing. We put both compact SUVs through rigorous performance and braking tests to see which one delivers better results on the road.
Tata Punch vs Nissan Magnite: Price and Specifications
On paper, the Tata Punch enjoys a clear advantage with a larger engine, more power, and more torque than the Nissan Magnite NA.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | Tata Punch | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1199cc, 3-cyl, petrol | 999cc, 3-cyl, petrol |
| Power | 88hp | 72hp |
| Torque | 115Nm | 96Nm |
| Gearbox | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
| Kerb Weight | 1035kg | 1019kg |
| Power-to-Weight | 85.02hp/tonne | 70.66hp/tonne |
| Torque-to-Weight | 111.11Nm/tonne | 94.21Nm/tonne |
| Price Range (Rs lakh, pre-GST 2.0) | 6.20 – 9.72 | 6.14 – 9.27 |
Key takeaway:
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The Punch has a bigger 1.2-litre engine (+200cc).
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It produces 16hp and 19Nm more than the Magnite.
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Despite being 16kg heavier, it still enjoys better power-to-weight and torque-to-weight ratios.
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The Magnite, however, is priced slightly lower across the range.
Tata Punch vs Nissan Magnite: 0-100kph Acceleration
Surprisingly, the Nissan Magnite manages to outpace the Tata Punch up to the 100kph mark.
0-100kph Acceleration Results
| Speed (kph) | Tata Punch (seconds) | Nissan Magnite (seconds) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-20 | 1.48 | 1.20 |
| 0-40 | 3.66 | 3.08 |
| 0-60 | 6.95 | 5.88 |
| 0-80 | 10.60 | 10.20 |
| 0-100 | 16.14 | 15.33 |
| 0-120 | 22.57 | 22.87 |
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The Magnite is 0.81 seconds faster to 100kph.
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However, the Punch claws back beyond 100kph, crossing 120kph 0.3 seconds quicker.
Rolling Acceleration (In-Gear Tests)
In day-to-day driving, rolling acceleration matters more than outright sprints. Here too, the Nissan Magnite has the upper hand.
| Test | Tata Punch | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|---|
| 20-80kph (3rd gear) | 15.58s | 14.18s |
| 40-100kph (4th gear) | 25.77s | 21.43s |
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The Magnite is 1.4s quicker in 20-80kph.
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It is a whopping 4.34s quicker in 40-100kph.
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This makes the Magnite more responsive in overtakes and highway cruising.
Braking Performance
Both SUVs use a front disc + rear drum setup, but the lighter Magnite manages to stop just a little sooner.
| Test (80-0kph) | Tata Punch | Nissan Magnite |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 27.54m | 27.38m |
| Time | 2.67s | 2.46s |
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The Magnite stops 0.16m shorter and 0.21s quicker than the Punch.
Verdict: Tata Punch vs Nissan Magnite
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Tata Punch advantages:
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Bigger engine
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Higher power and torque
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Stronger performance above 100kph
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Nissan Magnite advantages:
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Quicker to 100kph despite lower output
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Faster in rolling acceleration (better overtaking ability)
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Marginally better braking
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Slightly more affordable
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Final word: If you want livelier in-gear performance and better braking, the Nissan Magnite NA is the surprising winner in this performance comparison. But if you prefer better top-end pull and brand popularity, the Tata Punch remains a strong choice.
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