Monday, August 31, 2009

A COMPARISON OF INDICA VISTA, FIAT PUNTO AND MARUTI RITZ









Which one is better? Fiat Punto or Maruti Ritz or Tata Indica Vista? A detailed comparison is given.



Design and Styling

Though these hatchbacks look smaller in size, there is enough interior space in all three of them. All of them have most modern styling and design. Where Punto and Vista have Italian Design, Ritz owes its design to the Japanese.

The Fiat Punto's grill is similar to that of Maserati cars. The sloping wind screen, entirely different bonet, mercury drop headlamp, the front quarter glass and the long bumper gives Punto a stylish look. Punto is a medium size car with 195-60 R 15 tyres and larger wheel arches. The suspension has been lifted a little for Indian models. The Fiat logo and vertical tail lamps at the rear captures everyone's attention. The higher models have ABS, airbags and automatic a/c.

The design of A-star has influenced the Ritz's design a lot. The design has similarities to that of A-star. But when closely examined, both can be distinguished quickly. The rear side of Ritz itself differs from that of A-star. The Ritz has a more sporty look. It is equipped with security features such as ABS and EBD. The diesel model doesn't have alloy wheels. New Ritz comes in 5 colours. The interior of Ritz has a blue-black colour coding.

The Tata Indica Vista comes in a new platform with Fiat engine. The new model is larger in size than its predecessor Indica. The smiling grill as in old Indica gives a similarity with the old model. The new vista has a compact design. The headlamps in new vista gives Vista a modern look. The tail lamps are same as that in old Indica. The Vista has body colour rub rails, door handle and wing mirrors. Vista comes in three variants-Terra, Aqua and Aura among which Aura is cuter. Vista hav larger interior spacing and comfortable interiors.

Comparatively, the Ritz has a more radical design. Punto has pure European design. The biege interior of Vista is also good. But vista doesn't have steering stereo controls.

Among the three cars, passenger cabin space is higher for Vista. The dicky space for the three is:

* Punto-280L

* Ritz -236L

* Vista -232L



Driving

The 1.3 multi-jet engine in the three cars gives different performance. The weight, suspension features, tyre size, gear ratio etc. influences the performance a lot.

May be because of the higher gear ratio of Punto, the power of Punto is above 2000 rpm. The Punto with 1190 kg has more weight among the three. As a result, there is a little lag. The 0-100km time is slightly greater. The topspeed is 155km. As it can be driven at 30km/hr even above 3rd gear, city driving is easier. 15 inch tyres increases road grip and road handling. All together, Punto has all comforts of an European car.

The Ritz which is built on Swift platform is larger in size than Swift. The larger size is reflected in the driving also. The Ritz weighs 1110 kg only. As a result, Ritz has highest performance among the three. The max. power is above 2000 rpm. Among the three, only Ritz has electric steering.

Vista is also heavier than Ritz. It weighs 1140 kg. As a result pick up has decreased a little. Larger size increases Vista's road grip. Light clutch and improved gear shift increases Vista's drivability. Vista is no.1 in travel comfort.



TECH SPECIFICATIONS



INDICA VISTA

FIAT PUNTO

MARUTI RITZ

ENGINE

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder, Quadrajet

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder DDiS

1248 cc, 4 Cylinder, Multijet

MAX. POWER

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

74 bhp @ 4000 rpm

MAX. TORQUE

190 Nm @ 1750 rpm

190 Nm @ 1750 rpm

190 Nm @ 2000 rpm

GEAR TRANSMISSION

5 Speed manual

5 Speed manual

5 Speed manual

SUSPENSION

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, Coil springs

Rear:-Semi Independent, twist beam with coil spring and shock absorbers.

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, telescopic Dampers, stabilizer bar Compound link crank axle

Rear:-Torsion beam axle

Front:-Independent, Mac Pherson Struts, Coil springs

Rear:-Torsion beam and Coil spring

BRAKES

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

Front:-Discs

Rear:-Drums

TYRES

175/65 R 14

195/60 R 15

165/80 R 14

L X W X H (mm)

3795 X 1695 X 1550

3987 X 1687 X 1495

3715 X 1680 X 1620

WHEEL BASE (mm)

2470

2510

2360

GROUND CLEARANCE (mm)

165

170

170

KERB WEIGHT

1140 kg

1190 kg

1110 kg

TURNING RADIUS

5 m

5.25 m

4.7 m

MILEAGE

15.15 km/L

15.6 km/L

17.35 km/L

PRICE

Rs.4.46 - 4.75 lakhs

Rs.4.92 - 6.18 lakhs

Rs.4.65 - 4.99 lakhs





Performance

0-100km time



* Punto-17.84 s

* Ritz -15.18 s

* Vista -16.36 s



Mileage



* Punto-15.6 km

* Ritz -17.35 km

* Vista -15.15 km



Price



* Punto-Rs.4.92 - 6.18 lakhs

* Ritz -Rs.4.65 - 4.99 lakhs

* Vista -Rs.4.46 - 4.75 lakhs



Verdict



For performance lovers, Ritz is the best option. For those who prefer brand and styling, Punto is no.1. For those who consider price, interior spacing and maintenance cost, Vista is the best choice.



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BMW M1 Concept pictures | insurance informations |

BMW M1 Concept Car pictures, photos, wallpapers - Car insurance agency, specification, review

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- BMW M1 Concept (2008)

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BMW M1 Concept

To mark the 30th anniversary of the BMW M1 super sports car, BMW Group Design is presenting a homage to this legendary model as part of the Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este 2008. The BMW M1 designed by Giorgio Giugiaro was a car of superlatives and a highly emotive vehicle that was uncompromisingly primed for the race track. Spawning this development was the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, a revolutionary concept car which, in addition to its groundbreaking functional design, also boasted a raft of technical innovations. It is from these two unique vehicles that the BMW M1 Homage takes its cue - a design study that pays tribute to its forerunner models and an embodiment of the competence, creativity and potential of the BMW Group Design team.

"For BMW, heritage is always also a living heritage. Drawing inspiration from your own past and thereby reinventing yourself - that is exactly what the BMW M1 Homage demonstrates in impressive style." Dr Klaus Draeger, BMW Group Board Member, Development

A particular forte of BMW Group Design is to draw on its own powerful history and actively feed this into the design of the future. The BMW M1 Homage is a design study in the tradition of a BMW Turbo that represents a contemporary take on the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept. This tribute exhibits an emotional design that showcases technology and integrates it into the overall aesthetics of the vehicle.

The Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este provides the perfect backdrop for the BMW M1 Homage. Here automotive beauties from the past meet the concept cars and design studies of the future. It is in this dynamic field of tension between past and present that the BMW Group Design team affords insights into its own perspective on a historically inspired automotive future.

Homage to the BMW M1

"For a company as for a product, it is important to be aware of one's roots. In the spirit of Giugiaro and Bracq, the BMW M1 Homage unites the BMW values of design and technology in a highly emotional and exciting interpretation." Christopher E. Bangle, Director Design BMW Group

The BMW M1 was an utterly uncompromising super sports car oozing passion; its forerunner, the BMW Turbo by Paul Bracq, displayed innovative technical solutions that found their expression in emotional design. It is precisely this blend - of technology and design, rationality and passion - that the BMW M1 Homage embodies. It presents an exciting and authentic interpretation of the BMW M1 and the mid-engine concept from a present-day perspective, and the legacy of the BMW M1 Homage is obvious at first glance. Unquestioningly it takes up the graphic play of the hallmark BMW M1 colours black and orange and interprets them anew. The Liquid Orange paintwork exclusively developed for the BMW M1 Homage cites the classic BMW M1 colour, yet surprises with its powerfully iridescent play of colour and brilliant depth. It shapes the extrovert surface language and strikingly highlights the eloquent interplay of convex and concave surfaces.

Mention the BMW M1, and another feature that immediately springs to mind is the characteristic twin logo at the rear, on the right and left edge above the tail lights. For BMW, this particular arrangement of its emblems has always signalled a mid-engined model. In the development stage of the BMW M1 this dual emblem was the first styling element to be approved even before the initial sketches were drawn. Likewise, it was confirmed from the outset that the BMW M1 Homage would feature the same twin badges. Other specific styling cues taken from the BMW M1 are the air vents in the bonnet and the louvres on the rear windscreen, as well as the black cutline dividing the roofline from the rear section of the body. Overall, the exterior dimensions of the BMW M1 Homage are in keeping with those of the BMW M1; only the extended wheelbase indicates a larger passenger cell.

Emotional design at the flashpoint between tradition and modernism

The BMW M1 Homage takes long familiar elements from the BMW Design repertoire, reinterprets them and couches them in a new context. Its design brings together past and present, expanding the observer's perception through new design solutions that find their expression in typical BMW style. If the contrasting colours were a dominant design theme for the BMW M1, this contrast is perpetuated in the BMW M1 Homage through its surface styling. Familiar elements, such as the trademark proportions, are combined with new and exciting lines, surfaces and details to create an up-to-date interpretation of the BMW M1, which remains to this day an extraordinary car.

Shunning the strong wedge shape of other mid-engine cars, the BMW M1 Homage consciously opts for BMW's characteristic proportions. A relatively long engine compartment, a clearly defined transition into the A-pillar and a stretched window line featuring the "Hofmeister" kink instantly give it away as a bona fide BMW. The horizontal flow of lines lowers the car's visual centre of gravity and lends it an air of sovereignty.

Though the BMW M1 already boasted extremely harmonious and sporty proportions, its surface design was not yet an explicit styling issue and was dominated by high-contrast graphic themes. Today, however, next to the car's proportions, it is primarily the unusual surface styling that determines the strong recognition value of a BMW model. For some years now, all BMW vehicles have exhibited a striking and unique design language. The sculpting of the surfaces demands substantial experience and craftsmanship at the highest level. Only through the combination of craft skills, state-of-the-art technology and a sure sense of the personality of each BMW can designers and modellers achieve the overall sculptural effect that lends a BMW its unique character. The BMW M1 Homage systematically melds the proportions and graphic themes of the BMW M1 with the surface language of the new BMW look - a combination that imbues the vehicle with an exciting, sporty and authentic emotionality.

The front-end styling of the BMW M1 Homage adopts many of the graphic design themes of the BMW M1: the contrast between the black, recessed surfaces and the car colour, the small, squat kidney grille and the "invisible" headlamps. And yet the front of the BMW M1 Homage is an absolute novelty for BMW. Each element assumes a function: the hallmark twin kidney, for example, is not only a distinguishing feature of the BMW brand but combines aerodynamic, cooling-air routing and safety solutions. The design of the headlamps, meanwhile, is a new iteration of the retractable headlights of the BMW M1. Like the lamps on the historic model, those on the BMW M1 Homage are only visible when switched on. When not in use they are discreetly integrated into the front-end design and "disappear" into the recessed black cutline, almost like pop-up headlights.

Along the side of the car all the lines, surfaces and details lead the eye from the front end along the stretched engine compartment and clearly defined A-pillars before converging at the centre of the vehicle. Two expressive lines are drawn from the front along the flanks of the vehicle towards the engine compartment area. The flow of lines begins in a straight, disciplined fashion at the front end, lowering the optical centre of gravity of the BMW M1 Homage and highlighting its low-slung stance. From the middle of the car, however, the lines break up. The power of the design is focused precisely where the power of the vehicle also lies - at the engine. Strong, sensuous sweeping lines accentuate the car's mid-engine concept, the design emphasising the mechanics behind it, the engineering skills and the engine expertise of the BMW Group.

The roofline of the BMW M1 Homage is flatly tapered, extending into and around the rear. In so doing it draws a continuous line and forms a link between the two sides of the car. It is on this line, above the tail lights, that the hallmark twin BMW logo can also be found.

"Engineering is beautiful - let's show it!"

The overall design is driven by functionality and each detail has its purpose. Aspects such as aerodynamics, cooling-air routing and safety lend the BMW M1 Homage technical substance and make it a genuine BMW. A telling symbol of this is the kidney grille design of the BMW M1 Homage, fulfilling as it does several functions at the same time. The twin kidney isn't just a signature BMW feature, it is also part of the car's honed aerodynamics: it guides the air to the engine cooling as well as constituting the front section of a crash box, similar to the monocoque chassis of a Formula One race car.

Inspired by aircraft design, the car as a whole also boasts sophisticated air ducting through the body. For example, the cooling-air routing for the engine is positioned below the roofline, in the black recessed cutline along the side of the vehicle behind the window graphic. Small flaps and openings guide the air stream into the engine compartment to ensure an adequate supply of cooling air.

Vision and inspiration

"The BMW M1 Homage clearly manifests the creativity and potential of the BMW Design team. A project such as this is a valuable source of inspiration for our day-to-day work." Adrian van Hooydonk, Director Design BMW Automobiles

The BMW M1 Homage holds great significance for the BMW Group Design team, its genesis epitomising both a living tradition and an innovative future. This vehicle is designed as a source of inspiration; it sets out to challenge us to question and rethink what we see around us. The BMW M1 Homage pays eloquent tribute to the BMW Turbo and the BMW M1, which in their design were well ahead of their time. Originally slated as "merely" a design study or small series, their influence remains very palpable today - 30 years on.

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BMW Z4 Roadster pictures

BMW Z4 Roadster Car pictures, photos, wallpapers - Car insurance agency, specification, review

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- BMW Z4 Roadster (2006)

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BMW Z4 Roadster

Coinciding with the launch of the BMW Z4 M Roadster, the entire Z4 Roadster range receives visual and substantial mechanical enhancements.

Engines:
Topping the new range is the Z4 3.0si, featuring BMW's innovative magnesium alloy in-line six-cylinder engine. Featuring Valvetronic valve lift and VANOS valve timing, the Z4 3.0si develops 265hp at 6,600rpm and 315Nm of torque at 2,750rpm. These impressive statistics help power the car from zero to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and, if left unchecked, continues to a maximum electronically limited top speed of 155mph. However, these levels of performance aren't at the expense of economy, with the 3.0si delivering 32.8mpg over the combined cycle.

Two in-line six-cylinder 2.5-litre variants will be offered - the Z4 2.5si and 2.5i. Based on the same engine, but differentiated by output, the 2.5si offers 218hp and 250Nm of torque from its 2,497cc powerplant. This gives the power to sprint from standstill to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph, while still delivering 33.6mpg on the combined cycle. By contrast, the 2.5i delivers 177hp and 230Nm of torque.

The only engine carried over from the out-going range is the four-cylinder Z4 2.0i that was launched in April 2005. Produced at BMW's Hams Hall plant near Coventry, the 1,995cc engine features BMW's Valvetronic and VANOS technologies to develop 150hp at 6,200rpm and 200Nm of torque at 3,600rpm. The lighter weight of this engine helps deliver sharp performance, with the Z4 2.0i dispatching the zero to 62mph sprint in 8.2 seconds before hitting a top speed of 137mph.

Transmission:
Like the Z4 M Roadster, all new Z4 models come as standard with a six-speed gearbox. Alternatively, customers purchasing 2.5si and 3.0si models can specify a six-speed automatic gearbox which, for the first time, features paddles on the rear of the steering wheel to select the appropriate gear manually.

Sport models:
Sport models are available to enhance the 'standard' Z4 line-up, featuring 18-inch M double spoke or optional composite alloy wheel, M Sports seats covered in Active Sports leather upholstery, three-spoke M leather steering wheel and M Sports suspension. Sport models will add further appeal to those demanding a particularly sporting drive.

Design:
At launch in 2003, the BMW Z4 instantly became one of the company's most distinctive designs. This design positioned the car as much more of a driver's car dynamically than the Z3 it replaced. This performance focus remains, with subtle enhancements rather than wholesale changes.

From the front, the shoulder line extends all the way to the front air dam rather than stopping at the bonnet edge, a wider air intake dominates the lower valance and the kidney grille receives minor changes. Additionally, the headlights have been re-designed and now include corona light rings as standard on all cars specified with Xenon lamps (standard on M Roadster models).

From the side, US-style side reflectors are integrated into the front wheel arches that also house new alloy wheel designs.

From the rear, all-new tail lamps feature Z8-style horizontal light conductor rods and BMW's Brake Force Display braking system while a second spoiler lip adorns the rear air dam. Finally, all Z4 Roadster models feature a new colour choice including Monaco Blue, Flamenco Red, Silver Grey and Deep Green.

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BMW CS1 Concept pictures

BMW Car pictures, photos, wallpapers - Car insurance agency, specification, review

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- BMW CS1 Concept (2002)

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...........

Car Insurance
Local Agents
BEATRICE (Alabama)


15.82 miles distant
The Penn Agency
319 E Claiborne St, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 575-5498
Access, GMAC

15.86 miles distant
Harrigan Insurance Agency
64 N Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 575-4338
Safeco

15.91 miles distant
Colquett Insurance Agency
19 N Mount Pleasant Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 743-4111
EMC, State Auto, Travelers, Victoria

15.92 miles distant
Hood-Holman Insurance
68 S Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 743-3100
AIG, Foremost, GMAC, Travelers

15.94 miles distant
Harrigan Insurance Agency
128 S Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 575-2136
GuideOne

16.28 miles distant
McDonald Insurance Agency
626 S Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 743-3251
Access, AIG, Safeco

16.46 miles distant
Stuart Richeson
809 S Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 575-2096
State Farm

16.83 miles distant
Tommy Stacey
1330 S Alabama Ave, Monroeville, AL 36460
(251) 575-3217
Alfa

18.43 miles distant
Ricky Jones
100 Water St Ste C, Camden, AL 36726
(334) 682-4599
Alfa

18.48 miles distant
Holman Insurance Agency
106 Court St, Camden, AL 36726
(334) 682-4577
Access, AIG, GMAC, Victoria


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