Daihatsu Feroza: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Daihatsu Feroza catalogue contains two entries named 1.6 MT, both from the sole generation produced from 1989 to 1999. Their mechanical specifications are identical: each is a three-door SUV with a 1,590 cc Gasoline engine, 95 hp, 128 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and AWD. The only recorded difference is gross weight: 1,760 kg for one entry and 1,650 kg for the other.
The Daihatsu Feroza catalogue contains two entries named 1.6 MT, both from the sole generation produced from 1989 to 1999. Their mechanical specifications are identical: each is a three-door SUV with a 1,590 cc Gasoline engine, 95 hp, 128 Nm, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and AWD. The only recorded difference is gross weight: 1,760 kg for one entry and 1,650 kg for the other. Therefore, the lighter-gross-weight 1.6 MT is the more suitable choice when maximum permitted vehicle weight matters; otherwise, the available data provides no engine, performance or drivetrain reason to prefer one over the other.
Daihatsu Feroza versions and generation comparison
There is only 1 generation of the Daihatsu Feroza in the data, so buyers cannot compare an earlier generation with a later redesign. The 1 generation ran from 1989 to 1999, used the SUV 3-doors body and contains 2 versions. Both versions are named 1.6 MT and cover the same 1989–1999 production period.
Because both catalogue entries belong to the same generation, the data records no generation-to-generation changes in engine output, transmission, drivetrain, body style or performance. It also contains no separately identified restyling. The buying decision is consequently between two near-identical 1.6 MT records rather than between distinct generations.
Engine and specs comparison
Both 1.6 MT versions use the same front, longitudinal Gasoline engine. It has a 1,590 cc displacement, 4 Inline cylinders, 4 valves per cylinder, no boost and Distributed injection (multi-point). Output is 95 hp at 5,700 rpm, equivalent to 70 kW, while maximum torque is 128 Nm at 4,800 rpm.
Each engine has a compression ratio of 9.5 and a bore and stroke of 76 × 87.6 mm. Based on the recorded output and displacement, both versions produce approximately 59.7 hp per litre. Since their engines are identical, neither version offers a power-density advantage.
| Version | Production | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT — 1,760 kg gross weight | 1989–1999 | 95 hp at 5,700 rpm | 128 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 1,590 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| 1.6 MT — 1,650 kg gross weight | 1989–1999 | 95 hp at 5,700 rpm | 128 Nm at 4,800 rpm | 1,590 cc | Gasoline | 4 | Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
The chassis information is also the same for both entries. Each 1.6 MT has Independent, spring front suspension, Disc front brakes and Drum rear brakes. Rear suspension specifications are not measured.
Performance, mpg and economy
Performance does not separate the two 1.6 MT versions. Each accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.3 seconds and has a maximum speed of 150 km/h. The identical power, torque, gearbox and AWD system are consistent with their matching recorded performance figures.
Fuel consumption is not measured for either version in city, highway or combined driving. Accordingly, no mpg comparison can be made from the available data. CO₂ emissions are also not measured, and the emissions class is not measured. Both versions have a 60-litre fuel tank, so neither has a recorded fuel-capacity advantage.
Dimensions, weight and capacity
The body format is SUV 3-doors for both 1.6 MT entries. Exterior length, width and height are not measured in the supplied specifications. Ground clearance is not measured, and wheel sizes are not measured for both versions.
Kerb weight is identical at 1,325 kg. With 95 hp, that gives each version approximately 13.9 kg per horsepower, so their kerb-weight-to-power ratios are the same. The distinction appears only in gross weight:
| Version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Difference between gross and kerb weight | Tank | Ground clearance | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 MT — 1,760 kg gross weight | 1,325 kg | 1,760 kg | 435 kg | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
| 1.6 MT — 1,650 kg gross weight | 1,325 kg | 1,650 kg | 325 kg | 60 litres | not measured | not measured |
The first 1.6 MT has a gross-weight figure 110 kg higher than the second. Its difference between gross and kerb weight is also 110 kg greater, at 435 kg rather than 325 kg. These are arithmetic comparisons of the catalogue weights; the data does not provide a separate payload rating or explain why the gross-weight limits differ.
Reliability and problems: what the data can establish
Reliability ratings, repair histories and known problems are not measured for either 1.6 MT. The catalogue data therefore cannot support a reliability ranking between them. It records identical engine construction, fuel system, transmission, drivetrain, suspension and brake specifications, but those shared specifications do not prove that individual vehicles will have the same condition or maintenance requirements.
The supplied figures also contain no prices, equipment lists or ownership-cost data. Consequently, they cannot establish whether one entry commands extra money or what such a premium would buy. Mechanically, the recorded specifications show no extra power, torque, speed, acceleration, gearbox capability or fuel capacity in either version.
Which Daihatsu Feroza 1.6 MT should you buy?
Choose the 1.6 MT with 1,760 kg gross weight if the higher recorded gross-weight limit is important. It retains the same 1,325 kg kerb weight as the other version, producing a 435 kg difference between gross and kerb weight instead of 325 kg. That is the only quantified advantage in the supplied data.
Choose the 1.6 MT with 1,650 kg gross weight if the lower gross-weight classification better suits your requirements. It does not sacrifice recorded engine output or performance: it still provides 95 hp, 128 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 13.3 seconds, a 150 km/h maximum speed, a 5-speed Manual gearbox and AWD.
For buyers deciding purely by performance, engine specification or drivetrain, the two versions are tied. Both deliver about 59.7 hp per litre and approximately 13.9 kg per horsepower, with the same 60-litre tank and the same braking specification. Unless the 110 kg gross-weight difference matters, the supplied catalogue figures give no numerical basis for paying more for one 1.6 MT over the other.