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@ Fiat / Stellantis Media
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Dacia Duster vs Fiat Panda – Which one offers the better deal?

Compare performance, boot capacity, efficiency and price at a glance.
Find out which car is the better choice for you – Dacia Duster or Fiat Panda?

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Compact SUV vs. Urban Hatchback: Dacia Duster vs. Fiat Panda

For car enthusiasts and prospective buyers, choosing the right car often involves balancing needs with wants. Enter the 2024 Dacia Duster and Fiat Panda—two models that cater to different aspects of driving, yet offer their own unique appeal. While the Duster invites you into the world of SUVs, the Panda nudges you into urban exploration with its compact design.

Panda @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Power and Performance: Muscle vs. Agility

The Dacia Duster sets itself apart with multiple engine types, including options for LPG, full hybrid, and petrol MHEV, achieving a remarkable power output range of 91 to 140 HP. Depending on your choice, the Duster can sprint from 0-100 km/h in as little as 9.9 seconds and reach speeds up to 180 km/h. Its robust torque figures of up to 230 Nm ensure that it's not just all talk but full of action, especially appealing to those looking for a versatile SUV.

On the other side, the Fiat Panda is humble but not to be underestimated. Sporting a petrol MHEV engine with 70 HP, the Panda achieves a top speed of 164 km/h. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 13.9 to 14.7 seconds, showcasing its urban-friendly design without compromising the driving experience. Its smaller torque of 92 Nm is perfectly suitable for navigating city streets efficiently.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Consumption and Efficiency: Balancing the Budget

Fuel efficiency is increasingly critical in the automotive market, and both models address this with impressive consumption figures. The Duster offers a range as low as 5 L/100 km, appealing for longer expeditions and eco-driven enthusiasts. Additionally, with CO2 emissions between 114 and 147 g/km, it carefully treads the line of sustainability crucial in today's climate-conscious era.

The Fiat Panda prides itself on delivering an efficient urban drive with a consumption of around 5 to 5.1 L/100 km. Its CO2 emissions remain commendably between 113 and 116 g/km. This lighter environmental footprint is ideal for those commuting predominantly within city limits.

Panda @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Design and Dimensions: Roominess vs. Compactness

A look at the Dacia Duster reveals its distinctive SUV dimensions, measuring 4343 mm in length, 1813 mm in width, and a height upwards of 1661 mm. It comfortably holds five passengers with an impressive trunk capacity ranging from 430 to 517 liters, making it a family favorite for trips.

Contrastingly, the Fiat Panda is the definition of compact efficiency, stretching from 3653 to 3705 mm in length and 1643 to 1662 mm in width. Its hatchback design maximizes urban maneuverability yet accommodates up to five passengers. Though its trunk holds 225 liters—less than the Duster—it serves the typical urban scenarios effortlessly.

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Safety and Innovation: Keeping Ahead

Both cars excel in incorporating modern safety features but differ based on their intended usage. The Duster, with its all-wheel-drive option, is tailored for more dynamic terrains. Its innovation extends to various engine types and transmission options, including both manual and automatic configurations that are suitable for varied terrains and driver preferences.

The Panda, designed to thrive in city roads, features front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox that keeps things simple yet effective. Its focus remains on practicality and reliability, making it a dependable choice for city dwellers.

Panda @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the Dacia Duster and Fiat Panda cater to differing needs. For those in search of adventure, space, and engine versatility, the Duster is your go-to SUV. For city slickers desiring compactness, fuel efficiency, and reliability, the Fiat Panda fits the bill. Both are 2024's compelling offerings in their own rights, inviting you into varied yet distinct automotive journeys.

Here’s where it gets real: The technical differences in detail

Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Costs and Efficiency:

Looking at overall running costs, both models reveal some interesting differences in everyday economy.

Fiat Panda has a somewhat advantage in terms of price – it starts at 14100 £, while the Dacia Duster costs 16300 £. That’s a price difference of around 2143 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Dacia Duster manages with 4.70 L and is therefore slight more efficient than the Fiat Panda with 5 L. The difference is about 0.30 L per 100 km.

Panda @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

Engine and Performance:

Power, torque and acceleration are the classic benchmarks for car enthusiasts – and here, some clear differences start to show.

When it comes to engine power, the Dacia Duster has a clearly edge – offering 158 HP compared to 70 HP. That’s roughly 88 HP more horsepower.

In acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h, the Dacia Duster is significantly quicker – completing the sprint in 9.40 s, while the Fiat Panda takes 13.90 s. That’s about 4.50 s faster.

In terms of top speed, the Dacia Duster performs hardly perceptible better – reaching 180 km/h, while the Fiat Panda tops out at 164 km/h. The difference is around 16 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Dacia Duster pulls significantly stronger with 230 Nm compared to 92 Nm. That’s about 138 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Beyond pure performance, interior space and usability matter most in daily life. This is where you see which car is more practical and versatile.

Seats: Dacia Duster offers slightly more seating capacity – 5 vs 4.

In curb weight, Fiat Panda is noticeable lighter – 1055 kg compared to 1377 kg. The difference is around 322 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Dacia Duster offers decisively more room – 517 L compared to 225 L. That’s a difference of about 292 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Dacia Duster performs significantly better – up to 1609 L, which is about 739 L more than the Fiat Panda.

When it comes to payload, Dacia Duster slightly takes the win – 453 kg compared to 365 kg. That’s a difference of about 88 kg.

Who comes out on top?

Overall, the Dacia Duster shows itself to be wins the duel decisively and secures the title of DriveDuel Champion.
It convinces with the more balanced overall package and proves to be the more versatile choice for everyday use.

from about £16,300
Duster @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Dacia Duster

  • Engine Type : Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 115 - 158 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 4.7 - 7.5 L
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Dacia Duster

5 (1)
rate

The Dacia Duster is a no-nonsense compact SUV that delivers rugged practicality and surprisingly comfortable everyday driving without fuss. It might not win any beauty contests, but its honest design, easy-to-live-with cabin and tough attitude make it a smart pick for buyers who want reliable transport without luxury frills.

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d220402p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
Dacia_Duster_2 @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220403p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media
d220404p @ Dacia / Renault Group Media

Fiat Panda

5 (1)
rate

The Fiat Panda is a compact city car that brilliantly combines practical design and efficient functionality. Its boxy shape provides ample interior space and visibility, making it a favourite among urban drivers. With its reputation for reliability and affordability, the Panda continues to be a top choice for those seeking a no-frills, dependable vehicle.

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FCA_Germany _FIAT_Panda_&_500_Hybrid_2020_333 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media
FCA_Germany _FIAT_Panda_&_500_Hybrid_2020_157 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media
FCA_Germany _FIAT_Panda_&_500_Hybrid_2020_304 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media
FCA_Germany _FIAT_Panda_&_500_Hybrid_2020_049 @ Fiat / Stellantis Media

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Costs and Consumption
Price
16300 - 24900 £
Price
14100 £
Consumption L/100km
4.7 - 7.5 L
Consumption L/100km
5 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
-
Battery Capacity
0.60 kWh
Battery Capacity
-
co2
107 - 124 g/km
co2
113 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
50 L
Fuel tank capacity
38 L

Dimensions and Body
Body Type
SUV
Body Type
Hatchback
Seats
5
Seats
4
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1377 - 1455 kg
Curb weight
1055 kg
Trunk capacity
348 - 517 L
Trunk capacity
225 L
Length
4343 mm
Length
3635 mm
Width
1813 mm
Width
1643 mm
Height
1656 - 1659 mm
Height
1551 mm
Max trunk capacity
1414 - 1609 L
Max trunk capacity
870 L
Payload
450 - 453 kg
Payload
365 kg

Engine and Performance
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Full Hybrid, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, Automated Manual, Dual-Clutch Automatic
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
115 - 158 HP
Power HP
70 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
9.4 - 11.6 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
13.90 s
Max Speed
180 km/h
Max Speed
164 km/h
Torque
190 - 230 Nm
Torque
92 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3 - 4
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
84 - 116 kW
Power kW
51 kW
Engine capacity
1199 - 1789 cm3
Engine capacity
999 cm3

General
Model Year
2025
Model Year
2024
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C
CO2 Efficiency Class
C
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Fiat

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What drivetrain options does the Dacia Duster have?

The Dacia Duster is offered with Front-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive.

The prices and data displayed are estimates based on German list prices and may vary by country. This information is not legally binding.