Bajaj Pulsar NS160 vs TVS Apache RTR 160 4V: Performance And Real-world Mileage Compared
Modified On May 29, 2023 09:14 AM By Manaal Mahatme for Bajaj Pulsar NS160
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The segment benchmark goes up against the recently updated Pulsar model
Bajaj gave the Pulsar NS160 a much-needed update recently, but has that made this Pulsar better than one of the benchmarks of the 160cc segment – the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V? We tested both the motorcycles to give you a lowdown based on our VBox-tested figures:
Acceleration
|
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|
|
0-60kmph |
5.33s |
5.58s |
|
0-80kmph |
9.37s |
9.84s |
|
0-100kmph |
16.06s |
18.34s |
|
30-70kmph (3rd Gear) |
6.09s |
6.43s |
|
40-80kmph (4th Gear) |
7.81s |
8.71s |
The Bajaj Pulsar NS160 beats the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V in the 0-100kmph sprint. While the difference isn’t much till the 80kmph mark, the RTR is a whole two seconds slower by the time it touches 100kmph. This is primarily because of the free-revving nature of the Bajaj Pulsar which allows it to sprint quicker, something that is evident in the in-gear acceleration runs too.
Braking
|
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|
|
80-0kmph |
33.07m |
38.36m |
|
60-0kmph |
16.89m |
21.51m |
The chink in the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V’s armour has been its braking, and now, with the upgraded brakes on the NS160, the difference is pretty evident. The Pulsar’s brakes feel sharp and have a good stopping force, whereas the brakes on the RTR feel wooden.
Fuel Efficiency
|
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|
|
City Mileage |
47.88kmpl |
47.61kmpl |
|
Highway Mileage |
38.23kmpl |
49.80kmpl |
Now, both are equally fuel-efficient in the city, however, when it comes to the highway, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V takes the win. Though both the bikes can achieve similar highway speeds, the NS160 starts feeling a bit strained towards the top of its rev range.
Verdict
|
Bajaj Pulsar NS160 |
TVS Apache RTR 160 4V |
|
Rs 1,36,736 |
Rs 1,27,270 |
When it comes to pricing, the NS160 is expensive by a fair margin compared to the disc variant of the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V. However, even the top-of-the-line variant of the Apache is more affordable than the NS, despite offering a bunch of features. However, if you are looking for sheer performance, the NS160 is the one for you, but when it comes to handling, the TVS Apache RTR 160 4V still comes off as a better product.