VTEC or a Baleno?

msprabhakar · 21st January 2006, 20:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by adit1329

...Or would it be wiser to go for a used Baleno???????...

Tsk... Tsk... Tsk... (Innocent adit! Like going to China and asking if it's wiser to invest in China)...

(I'll watch this thread to find out what his final decision is, but IMO, I can already read the writing on his forehead!!)

Surya · 22nd January 2006, 05:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

As a prior owner of an OHC as well as a Baleno, let me try and help you:

1. Performance: Both are brilliant. The Vtec is more of a straighliner, while in corners, I'd prefer the Baleno. The Vtec is clearly quicker by a second, both on the 1/4 mile, and in the 0-100 run, all else equal.

2. Driveability: Though torque levels are similar, the Baleno produces most of its torque from idle. I can shift gears at 1100 rpm, not something easy to do on the Vtec. But if you are focussed on high-rpm driving, it's the 'tec that will gladden your heart.

3. Interiors: Both suck. Period. The quality of Maruti is improving, atleast on the Balenos, and it never was too bad. OHC interiors are as boring as the Baleno.

4. Ground clearance: Baleno has a definite advantage. Vtec will scrape almost anything with minimal load, while Baleno has issues only with a full complement of passengers.

5. Suspension: Baleno wins outright. Very comfortable, even the seats rock. You can sit comfortably in it all day, and emerge fresh, almost like an Octavia. The OHC rattle and thud their way over any uneven surface, and you will cry at the sounds from the wheel-wells.

6. Spares and Resale: You want to turbo? Where will you get a second engine from, if you blow the first? Baleno wins again. Maruti service is better and way cheaper than Honda, due to competition. Engine and suspension parts are also cheaper, both officially and otherwise. So is performance modification for the Baleno. Also, a new Baleno will fetch you a decent price when sold. A 2nd or 3rd hand Vtec won't, since by then spares will start to be an issue.

Though the Vtec is a beautiful car, it would make more sense to pick a Baleno. I went through the same dilemma, and I chose the Baleno. Hope this helps...

That was one supercool directive from V13pr

revtech · 22nd January 2006, 16:16

Most people buy cars to impress others...Baleno owners think for themselves

Rev

manson · 23rd January 2006, 01:17

how about getting an around 2000 cr for real cheap (could be a vtec or a baleno) and gettin the car a more powerful engine, like ford rocam did.

manson.

kpzen · 23rd January 2006, 09:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by revtech

Most people buy cars to impress others...Baleno owners think for themselves

Rev

Thats great thinking....

shuvc · 23rd January 2006, 10:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpzen

Thats great thinking....

That is actually the essence of the current Baleno adline ..

Beeman · 23rd January 2006, 14:53

Let me put it in these short lines...............
Baleno -- is the intelligent girl next door -- reliable, trust worthy good dealer network
Vtec honda -- the girl you wouldn't like your parents too meet,

shuvc · 23rd January 2006, 16:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beeman

Let me put it in these short lines...............
Baleno -- is the intelligent girl next door -- reliable, trust worthy good dealer network
Vtec honda -- the girl you wouldn't like your parents too meet,

Hahaha .. and no 1, is generally low maintenance , whereas no 2, is ....

goldie_malhotra · 23rd January 2006, 16:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuvc

Hahaha .. and no 1, is generally low maintenance , whereas no 2, is ....

... a lot more fun

shuvc · 23rd January 2006, 17:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by goldie_malhotra

... a lot more fun

haha nice one ...
but then I haven't driven one yet .. am having too much fun with the low end grunt of no 1 !! no scope for high revving in Kolkata ..

Actually Honda dealer made me wait for 2 hours before telling me T-drive won't be possible .. coz of unavailability of car ...

goldie_malhotra · 23rd January 2006, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by shuvc

haha nice one ...
but then I haven't driven one yet .. am having too much fun with the low end grunt of no 1 !! no scope for high revving in Kolkata ..

same here in delhi, mate - the vtec aint no fun in the lower revs
though on some open stretches on the Ring-road and DND, you can really make her scream ...

adit1329 · 23rd January 2006, 20:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shan2nu

Drive both the cars on the same stretch and you'l know which one you want.

Or if you're planning to come towards Hubli anytime soon, U can try out my car. Hehe

Shan2nu

I might be coming to Hubli, to check out a Vtec..so we can catch up

owner is quoting 5 Lakhs for the same...

adit1329 · 24th January 2006, 00:34

Well, I did meet up with Psycho and he too had the same train of thought, go for a Baleno....

Any suggestions to improve on the performance of the Baleno and also any suggestions on the mods??

v1p3r · 24th January 2006, 02:20

This is a topic where you should really be talking to Iceman and Psycho...they are the realy experts. Off the top of my head I would suggest better tyres and wheels, suspension upgrade, intake and exhaust mods, and if you want to open the engine, headwork.

Godfather · 24th January 2006, 14:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by v1p3r

This is a topic where you should really be talking to Iceman and Psycho...they are the realy experts. Off the top of my head I would suggest better tyres and wheels, suspension upgrade, intake and exhaust mods, and if you want to open the engine, headwork.

The only thing you left out is the nitrous kit and turbo....

22nd January 2006, 16:16	#18
revtech Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 1,992 Thanked: 39 Times View My Garage	Most people buy cars to impress others...Baleno owners think for themselves Rev
	() Thanks

23rd January 2006, 01:17	#19
manson Team-BHP Support Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Bombay Posts: 3,946 Thanked: 4,245 Times View My Garage	how about getting an around 2000 cr for real cheap (could be a vtec or a baleno) and gettin the car a more powerful engine, like ford rocam did. manson.
	() Thanks

23rd January 2006, 14:53	#22
Beeman BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Treasure island Posts: 335 Thanked: 2 Times	Let me put it in these short lines............... Baleno -- is the intelligent girl next door -- reliable, trust worthy good dealer network Vtec honda -- the girl you wouldn't like your parents too meet, Last edited by Beeman : 23rd January 2006 at 14:54.
	() Thanks

24th January 2006, 00:34	#28
adit1329 BHPian Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Bangalore Posts: 346 Thanked: 3 Times	Well, I did meet up with Psycho and he too had the same train of thought, go for a Baleno.... Any suggestions to improve on the performance of the Baleno and also any suggestions on the mods??
	() Thanks

24th January 2006, 02:20	#29
v1p3r Senior - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: BLR / DXB / LON Posts: 5,347 Thanked: 6,960 Times View My Garage	This is a topic where you should really be talking to Iceman and Psycho...they are the realy experts. Off the top of my head I would suggest better tyres and wheels, suspension upgrade, intake and exhaust mods, and if you want to open the engine, headwork.
	() Thanks