This is the most exciting drag race you will see all week.
Ever wondered which Indian taxi is the fastest? Autocar India’s latest video shows the Hindustan Ambassador taking on the Fiat 1100 during a heated drag race. This quarter-mile race will take you a while, so make sure to clear your calendar before you start the video.
The Hindustan Ambassador, a classic taxi that can be used to transport passengers across India’s congested streets, is rugged and reliable. These taxis are designed to withstand rough roads and potholes on the outskirts of cities. Taxi drivers love the simplicity and durability of the simple Hindustan Ambassador. It was constructed from 1958 to 2014, so there are many examples and a steady supply of spare parts.
This drag race used the Ambassador’s 1.8-liter inline-4, which produces about 60 horsepower (45 Kilowatts). The weak engine transmits power to the rear wheels using a 5-speed manual transmission mounted on the floor. The exterior features an unusual wing that is mounted above the windshield on the Ambassador. This is mostly for styling purposes as downforce is not a factor in a car like this.
Autocar host Cyrus Dhabhar took along his modified Fiat 1100 to compete with the Ambassador. Cyrus Dhabhar lists the amazing parts for his Fiat, which includes Group A rally engine components. You would think this would be an unfair fight. The power was increased from 30 horsepower (22 Kilowatts stock) to approximately 50 horsepower (37 Kilowatts). Fiat 1100 also has a column-shifted transmission, which is not ideal for racing applications.
Which one of these classic India Taxis are the best? In a drag race, the stock Hindustan Ambassador wins by just a few seconds over the plucky Fiat 1100.