Maruti 800 vs Alto 800: Which Budget King Wins in 2024?

Maruti 800 is the 1983-2014 rear-wheel-drive hatchback that retired after 31 years; Alto 800 is its 2012-present front-wheel-drive successor with updated safety and mileage tech.

People still whisper “get an 800” when they mean the cheapest new car. Memory and showroom shorthand fuse two eras, making buyers wonder if the legend or its reboot rules today’s budget lane.

Key Differences

Maruti 800: carb-fed 796cc, 0-star safety, no ABS or airbags, 16 km/l real-world. Alto 800: BS6 796cc, dual airbags, ABS option, 22 km/l, 200 mm longer cabin, 60 mm taller, still under 3.5 m for tight parking.

Which One Should You Choose?

2024 reality: Maruti 800 is only resale nostalgia; parts dry up, crash unsafe. Alto 800 remains on sale, gets warranty, finance, CNG kit, and passes new crash norms—hands-down the living budget king.

Is a used Maruti 800 cheaper to run?

Spares are scarce and rising in price; a 5-year-old Alto 800 costs less per kilometre today.

Can Alto 800 fit five adults?

Four adults fit comfortably; the fifth is tight—same as the old 800, just with better shoulder room.

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