Videos comparing SUVs with tractors often go viral on social media, and one such trending topic is the Mahindra Thar 4×4 vs Tractor power test. People are fascinated by the idea of a modern off-road SUV taking on a rugged agricultural machine in a tug-of-war or pull test. But the real question is—who actually wins, and why?
The comparison might seem unusual, but it gives us an interesting insight into the engineering, torque delivery, and real-world capabilities of two very different types of vehicles. In this blog, we break down the entire concept behind this challenge, exploring how the Thar 4×4 performs against a tractor and why the outcome may surprise many.
🔥 Understanding the Two Machines: Thar vs Tractor
Before diving into the test, it’s important to know what each machine is built for.
Mahindra Thar 4×4
- A lifestyle SUV built for off-roading
- Features a robust ladder-frame chassis
- Comes with 4×4 low-range capabilities
- Offers powerful petrol and diesel engines
- Built for adventures, highways, and tough terrains
Agricultural Tractor
- Not designed for speed or comfort
- Purpose-built for heavy pulling and hauling
- Known for extremely high low-end torque
- Built with massive rear tyres for grip
- Designed to operate on loose soil and farms
By design, these two vehicles serve entirely different purposes. However, in a direct pulling challenge, their engineering differences become more interesting.
💪 Engine Power: Who Has the Edge?
If we compare power figures, the Mahindra Thar clearly wins on paper.
Mahindra Thar 4×4:
- Power: 130–150+ HP (depending on variant)
- Torque: 300–320 Nm
- Transmission: Manual/Automatic with 4×4
Tractor (General Range):
- Power: 40–70 HP
- Torque: Usually higher than 300 Nm (at very low RPM)
- Transmission: Multi-speed gearbox designed for torque delivery
Even though tractors have lower horsepower, they produce massive torque at extremely low revs—which is crucial for pulling.
🔥 The Real Difference: Torque Delivery & Gear Ratios
Horsepower helps with higher speeds, but tug-of-war contests are all about torque and traction.
🌾 Why Tractors Excel in Pulling Tasks
- Tractor engines are designed to deliver continuous torque at low RPM.
- Heavy flywheels prevent stalling even under load.
- Gear ratios are extremely short, allowing more pulling force.
- Rear tyres are huge, giving more surface area and grip.
🏞️ Why the Thar Performs Strong But Has Limits
- Thar is tuned for mixed use: city, highway, and off-road.
- It has good torque but at higher RPMs than tractors.
- Tyres are designed for all-terrain, not pure pulling tasks.
- Vehicle weight distribution favours stability, not pull force.
So, despite the Thar having higher horsepower, the tractor has a stronger pulling advantage in low-speed, high-resistance situations.
🆚 Traction: The Game-Changer in Thar vs Tractor
One of the biggest factors in any tug-of-war is traction.
🚜 Tractor Traction Advantages:
- Rear tyres are wide and heavily treaded
- High-grip rubber optimised for soft soil
- Weight distribution is rear-biased, increasing traction
- More downforce due to heavier rear section
🚙 Thar’s Traction Limitations:
- Designed for off-road grip, not pure pulling
- Tyres are smaller than tractor tyres
- Its weight is more balanced, reducing rear grip
- Wheelspin occurs faster under load
Even with 4×4 engaged, the Thar can lose traction earlier than a tractor.
🧪 What Happens in a Real Power Test?
When a Mahindra Thar 4×4 is tied to a tractor in a pull test, here’s what usually happens:
Round 1: Initial Pull
- The Thar may pull slightly at the start due to its higher horsepower.
- But as soon as traction becomes the limit, the tyres begin to slip.
Round 2: Tractor Engages Lower Gear
- The tractor drops into a super low gear.
- Huge torque is transmitted to the rear wheels.
- The tractor begins pulling the Thar backward slowly but steadily.
Round 3: Thar Loses Grip
- The SUV struggles to put down torque effectively.
- Wheelspin and smoke appear from the tyres.
- The tractor keeps moving forward with stability.
Outcome: Tractor Usually Wins
Even though the Thar is more powerful overall, the tractor’s massive torque and superior traction give it a win in most tug-of-war scenarios.
🧠 Why Horsepower Doesn’t Guarantee a Win
Many people assume that because the Thar has more horsepower, it should win. But horsepower matters only at higher speeds.
In pulling contests:
- Torque > Horsepower
- Traction > Top speed
- Gear ratios > Engine tuner
Tractors are designed to pull heavy loads like ploughs, trolleys, and machinery all day long. Their entire engineering revolves around slow, powerful, consistent pulling force.
🏁 Where the Thar Wins Instead
Even though the tractor usually wins in a power-pulling contest, the Thar dominates in several other areas:
1. Speed and Acceleration
The Thar is far faster and more road-friendly.
2. Off-Road Agility
Rocky paths, riverbeds, mountains, and sand dunes are where the Thar shines.
3. Comfort & Features
AC, infotainment, stability control, airbags, and creature comforts make the Thar far more premium.
4. Versatility
Daily use + adventure + road trips = Thar’s perfect combination.
5. Handling
The Thar has better braking, cornering stability, and control.
A tractor is unbeatable in pulling tests, but it cannot match the Thar in lifestyle, speed, safety, or road usability.
🏆 Final Verdict: Who Wins the Power Test?
In a tug-of-war or raw pulling test:
👉 The Tractor Wins.
Not because it has more horsepower, but because it has:
- Higher low-end torque
- Superior grip
- Shorter gear ratios
- Rear-heavy weight distribution
- Specialised design for pulling tasks
👉 The Thar is Still the Better Overall Vehicle.
It excels in:
- Off-road adventures
- Everyday usability
- Speed, safety, and convenience
- Long-distance touring
A tractor can win a pulling match, but the Mahindra Thar remains the king of versatility.
🔚 Conclusion
The Mahindra Thar 4×4 vs Tractor power test is a fun and entertaining comparison that highlights the very different purposes of these two machines. While the tractor wins the tug-of-war due to its unmatched pulling force, the Thar remains a powerful, capable, and iconic off-road SUV that dominates in real-world driving and adventure scenarios.
Each vehicle excels in its own domain—and that’s what makes this comparison exciting and educational.