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Dacia Sandero vs Fiat Grande Panda – Which model is better for everyday use?

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

Sandero @ dacia.at

Introducing the B-Segment Contenders: Dacia Sandero vs. Fiat Grande Panda

In the automotive landscape, the Dacia Sandero and the Fiat Grande Panda represent distinct philosophies within the competitive B-segment. While the Sandero offers practicality at an affordable price, the Grande Panda seeks to blend urban agility with modern-day electrification, particularly in its hybrid and electric variants. Let's delve deeper into their specifications, innovations, and see which one might suit your needs.

Engineering and Performance

The Dacia Sandero offers a choice between petrol and LPG engines, accommodating a variety of preferences with outputs ranging from 67 to 110 HP. It offers both manual and CVT transmissions, adhering to the underlined simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Acceleration figures start at a leisurely 16.7 seconds to 100 km/h for the base engine but exhibit more dynamism with the higher-powered variants, with 0-100 km/h times as quick as 10 seconds. Despite a slightly higher acceleration benchmark, the Sandero provides a responsive ride with a top speed maxing out at 183 km/h.

The Fiat Grande Panda administers a modern twist, with electric and mild hybrid petrol engines. The electrified version touts 113 HP and an intriguing EV range of 320 km, aligning with a growing consumer shift toward sustainable mobility. Importantly, the hybrid variant mirrors the Dacia's performance with a slightly quicker 0-100 km/h time of 10 seconds and reaches a top speed of 160 km/h. Both vehicles adopt front-wheel drive, catering to on-road efficiency and maneuverability in urban settings.

Dimensions and Cargo

In terms of size, the Dacia Sandero stretches slightly beyond the Grande Panda at 4099 mm in length and 1848 mm in width. It offers a respectable trunk capacity of 328 liters, delivering ample space for daily essentials or a short getaway. Its curb weight ranges across models from 1089 kg to 1209 kg, reflecting a lightweight build that contributes to its fuel efficiency.

The Grande Panda, designed with a focus on urban adaptability, stands at 3999 mm in length and 1763 mm in width. Contrarily, it provides a larger cargo volume of up to 412 liters, thanks to its versatile design ethos. This compact SUV category contender is relatively heavier, with a curb weight between 1315 kg to 1550 kg, often directly influenced by its battery and hybrid components.

Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Impact

Fuel-conscious drivers will appreciate the Sandero's range of consumption figures, primarily between 5.2 and 7 L/100 km, depending on the engine configuration. Although it fares well in terms of traditional petrol consumption, its environmental credentials vary, showing CO2 emissions ranging from 105 to 139 g/km, placing it in efficiency classes from C to E.

The Grande Panda's hybrid efficiency is highlighted by a 5.4 L/100 km rating for its mild hybrid engine, coupled with an electric variant consumption of 17.4 kWh/100 km. Notably, the electric model boasts a zero-emissions profile, marking a significant advantage for those invested in reducing their carbon footprint.

Conclusion: Choosing Your Ideal City Companion

The choice between the Dacia Sandero and Fiat Grande Panda stems from prioritizing traditional efficiency or embracing electrification. The Sandero stands out with its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and sufficient performance for everyday city driving. Meanwhile, the Grande Panda escalates urban functionality by presenting an appealing hybrid or fully electric alternative, which may appeal to eco-conscious consumers looking for an urban-friendly SUV.

As city dwellers and eco-travelers weigh their options, these models represent solid choices in a segment that increasingly values innovation, practicality, and sustainability.

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

Costs and Efficiency:

Price and efficiency are often the first things buyers look at. Here it becomes clear which model has the long-term edge – whether at the pump, the plug, or in purchase price.

Dacia Sandero has a clearly advantage in terms of price – it starts at 10700 £, while the Fiat Grande Panda costs 16300 £. That’s a price difference of around 5572 £.

Fuel consumption also shows a difference: Fiat Grande Panda manages with 5.10 L and is therefore hardly perceptible more efficient than the Dacia Sandero with 5.30 L. The difference is about 0.20 L per 100 km.

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 Fiat Grande Panda has a hardly perceptible edge – offering 113 HP compared to 110 HP. That’s roughly 3 HP more horsepower.

Both models accelerate almost equally fast – 10 s from 0 to 100 km/h.

In terms of top speed, the Dacia Sandero performs to a small extent better – reaching 183 km/h, while the Fiat Grande Panda tops out at 160 km/h. The difference is around 23 km/h.

There’s also a difference in torque: Fiat Grande Panda pulls slight stronger with 205 Nm compared to 200 Nm. That’s about 5 Nm difference.

Space and Everyday Use:

Cabin size, boot volume and payload all play a role in everyday practicality. Here, comfort and flexibility make the difference.

Both vehicles offer seating for 5 people.

In curb weight, Dacia Sandero is a bit lighter – 1089 kg compared to 1295 kg. The difference is around 206 kg.

In terms of boot space, the Fiat Grande Panda offers evident more room – 412 L compared to 328 L. That’s a difference of about 84 L.

In maximum load capacity, the Fiat Grande Panda performs slightly better – up to 1366 L, which is about 258 L more than the Dacia Sandero.

When it comes to payload, Fiat Grande Panda minimal takes the win – 453 kg compared to 436 kg. That’s a difference of about 17 kg.

Who wins the race?

The Dacia Sandero proves to be has the upper hand and therefore becomes our DriveDuel Champion!
Dacia Sandero is the better all-rounder in this comparison.

from about £10,700
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Dacia Sandero

  • Engine Type : Petrol, LPG
  • Transmission : Manuel, Automatic
  • Drive Type : Front-Wheel Drive
  • Power HP : 67 - 110 HP
  • Consumption L/100km : 5.3 - 7.1 L

Dacia Sandero

The Dacia Sandero stands out as an exceptional value in the hatchback market, offering a blend of practicality and affordability that appeals to a wide range of drivers. Its understated design is complemented by a surprisingly spacious interior, providing ample comfort and functionality for everyday use. With impressive fuel efficiency and a solid reputation for reliability, the Sandero remains a popular choice for those seeking a no-nonsense vehicle without sacrificing essential modern features.

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Fiat Grande Panda

The Grande Panda is a delightful blend of practicality and charm, making it a popular choice for urban dwellers and families alike. With its compact design, the car navigates city streets effortlessly while providing ample interior space for passengers and cargo. Its quirky styling and user-friendly features make the Grande Panda not just a mode of transport, but a fun driving experience.

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Dacia Sandero
Fiat Grande Panda
Sandero

Costs and Consumption

Price
10700 - 16700 £
Price
16300 - 24000 £
Consumption L/100km
5.3 - 7.1 L
Consumption L/100km
5.1 - 5.7 L
Consumption kWh/100km
-
Consumption kWh/100km
16.80 kWh
Electric Range
-
Electric Range
320 km
Battery Capacity
-
Battery Capacity
43.80 kWh
co2
105 - 140 g/km
co2
0 - 130 g/km
Fuel tank capacity
32 - 50 L
Fuel tank capacity
44 L

Dimensions and Body

Body Type
Hatchback
Body Type
SUV
Seats
5
Seats
5
Doors
5
Doors
5
Curb weight
1089 - 1209 kg
Curb weight
1295 - 1554 kg
Trunk capacity
328 L
Trunk capacity
361 - 412 L
Length
4088 - 4099 mm
Length
3999 mm
Width
1848 mm
Width
1763 mm
Height
1499 - 1535 mm
Height
1581 - 1629 mm
Max trunk capacity
1108 L
Max trunk capacity
1315 - 1366 L
Payload
404 - 436 kg
Payload
353 - 453 kg

Engine and Performance

Engine Type
Petrol, LPG
Engine Type
Petrol MHEV, Electric, Petrol
Transmission
Manuel, Automatic
Transmission
Automatic, Manuel
Transmission Detail
Manual Gearbox, CVT
Transmission Detail
Dual-Clutch Automatic, Reduction Gearbox, Manual Gearbox
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Drive Type
Front-Wheel Drive
Power HP
67 - 110 HP
Power HP
100 - 113 HP
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 16.7 s
Acceleration 0-100km/h
10 - 11.5 s
Max Speed
158 - 183 km/h
Max Speed
132 - 160 km/h
Torque
95 - 200 Nm
Torque
122 - 205 Nm
Number of Cylinders
3
Number of Cylinders
3
Power kW
49 - 81 kW
Power kW
74 - 83 kW
Engine capacity
999 cm3
Engine capacity
1199 cm3

General

Model Year
2024 - 2025
Model Year
2025
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, C, E
CO2 Efficiency Class
D, A
Brand
Dacia
Brand
Fiat
What drive types are available for the Dacia Sandero?

The Dacia Sandero is available as Front-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.