There are several SUVs in the market; however, the Mahindra Scorpio stands out from the rest. This is one of the few SUVs in the country that has managed to retain a cult following for more than two decades. Be it stylish looks or a powerful engine, this SUV has it all.
As of 2025, we have the flexibility to choose between the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and the Mahindra Scorpio-N. The Classic version focuses more on retaining the look and features of the earlier models, while the N brings a fresh, modern twist to the table.
But the similarity here is the engine you get with these SUVs. So the question is, which SUV offers better power and torque? Well, let’s get into the relevant details and find the right answer.
Engine Specifications in the Mahindra Scorpio Classic
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic comes with a mHawk diesel engine. Here, you will get four cylinders with four valves in each cylinder. The best thing about this performant engine is the variable geometry turbocharger with an e-actuator. Besides that, you must also appreciate this engine’s Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) technology.
These configurations, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, allow the engine to deliver a maximum output of 97 kW @ 3750 rpm. The performant engine can also easily churn a maximum torque of 300 Nm @ 1600 rpm to 2800 rpm. It is also worth mentioning that this mHawk engine offers a displacement of 2184 cc.
Engine Specifications in the Mahindra Scorpio-N
When it comes to the engine options with the Mahindra Scorpio-N, you get more options to choose from. The mStallion petrol engine is available with a two-wheel drive setup. But with the mHawk diesel engine, you can choose from either the two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive configuration. You further get the flexibility to choose between an automatic or manual transmission with either of the engines.
Let’s start with the mStallion Turbo Petrol Direct Injection (TGDi) in the Scorpio-N. With an engine capacity of 2.0 litres, the engine has the potential to generate a maximum power output of 149.14 kW @ 5000 rpm. If you choose the manual transmission with this engine, you can get a maximum torque of 370 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 3000 rpm. Things are even better with the automatic transmission, where you get a maximum torque of 380 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 3000 rpm.
Then comes the mHawk diesel engine, which leverages the Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) technology. This engine, with the two-wheel drive configuration, offers a maximum power of 97 kW @ 3750 rpm. It also delivers a maximum torque of 300 Nm @ 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm with the 6-speed manual transmission.
The SUV’s four-wheel-drive mHawk diesel engine offers a maximum power of 128.6 kW @ 3500 rpm. Mating this engine with a manual transmission will give you a maximum torque of 370 Nm from 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm. The same engine with an automatic transmission offers a maximum torque of 400 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 2750 rpm.
How Do These Two Engines Compare Against Each Other?
Now that we have a better idea of these engines and their potential, it is time to test them by comparing them. Here, we will compare these engines with each other to clarify things.
1. Power
When it comes to power, the Mahindra Scorpio-N certainly performs much better than the Classic. The 2.0-litre petrol mStallion engine in N offers more power than the 2.2-litre diesel engine you get with this SUV.
Similarly, the mHawk diesel engine with the 4WD setup offers much better power compared to the same engine with a 2WD setup. The catch here is that you only get the option of a mHawk 2WD drive setup engine with the Mahindra Scorpio Classic.
2. Torque
The same story repeats when you compare the torque from the engines you get in both SUVs. The mHawk diesel engine in the Mahindra Scorpio Classic offers a maximum torque of 300 Nm from 1600 rpm to 2800 rpm. On the other hand, the petrol engine in the Scorpio-N can generate more torque.
The petrol engine in the Mahindra Scorpio-N with the manual transmission offers a maximum torque of 370 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 3000 rpm. With the automatic transmission, the same engine can churn a maximum torque of 380 Nm @ 1750 rpm to 3000 rpm. This is much higher than what you get with the engine in the Mahindra Scorpio Classic.
Then comes the diesel engine in the Mahindra Scorpio-N with a 4WD setup. These configurations, with the manual transmission, allow this beast to offer a maximum torque of 370 Nm @ 1500 rpm to 3000 rpm. With the automatic transmission, the engine can generate a maximum torque of 400 Nm from 1750 rpm to 2750 rpm. Hence, the torque is much higher than what you get with the Mahindra Scorpio Classic.
3. Engine Refinement
One of the most important things to evaluate in order to understand an engine’s performance is its overall refinement. Unfortunately, this is another area where the Mahindra Scorpio Classic loses the race to the Mahindra Scorpio-N.
Even a simple test drive should be enough for you to understand that the engine in the Mahindra Scorpio-N is far more refined. Compare it to the Mahindra Scorpio Classic, and you will notice less vibration or noise coming from the engine. This refinement plays a very important role in ensuring you have a smooth and comfortable drive with the SUV.
Final Thoughts
There is no denying that the Mahindra Scorpio Classic and Scorpio-N are both truly amazing SUVs in their own way. Both SUVs get competent engines, but the Scorpio-N offers better power, torque, and refinement.
However, the Classic’s engine is also good because it is the same diesel engine you get with the 2WD option of the Scorpio-N variant. The point here is to evaluate your unique needs and requirements and choose accordingly.
The Mahindra Scorpio Classic engine will serve you well if you need stronger low-end torque with better functionality and reliability. But if you prefer something more modern, refined and powerful, then the engines in the Mahindra Scorpio-N are better for you.
