VS
At a Glance
Power
104 kW
103 kW
Torque
320 Nm
320 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Towing
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Engine
1999 cc
2179 cc
Choosing between the JAC T8 and the Mahindra Pik Up is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The JAC T8 delivers 104 kW while the Mahindra Pik Up produces 103 kW. On fuel, the T8 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R449 900 for the T8 and R506 749 for the Pik Up. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
104 kW
103 kW
Torque
320 Nm
320 Nm
Top Speed
150 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1999 cc
2179 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
diesel
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
manual
automatic
Number of Gears
6
6
Drive Wheels
all
all
Full Time 4x4
—
✓ Standard
Low Range
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
9.3 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
76 l
80 l
CO2 Emissions
199 g/km
247 g/km
Dimensions
Length
5325 mm
5175 mm
Width
1880 mm
1820 mm
Height
1830 mm
1942 mm
Wheelbase
3090 mm
3040 mm
Ground Clearance
220 mm
210 mm
Kerb Weight
1970 Kg
2150 Kg
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
2000 Kg
2500 Kg
Load Capacity
900 l
995 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
—
Airbag Count
2
2
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
—
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5
4
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
120000 Km
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
5
Service Plan Distance
100000
90000
Service Intervals
15000
20000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
JAC T8
3 / 4 categories
Performance
T8
Fuel Economy
T8
Value
T8
Practicality
Pik Up
Pros & Cons
JAC T8
More powerful engine (104 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Lower starting price (R449 900)
Few notable weaknesses
Mahindra Pik Up
Higher towing capacity (2500 Kg)
Higher fuel consumption (9.3 l/100km)
Less power than rival (103 kW vs 104 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the T8 or Pik Up?
The T8 uses 7.8 l/100km and the Pik Up uses 9.3 l/100km on the combined cycle. The T8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the T8 or Pik Up?
The T8 produces 104 kW and 320 Nm of torque while the Pik Up delivers 103 kW and 320 Nm of torque. The T8 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the T8 and Pik Up?
The T8 starts from R449 900 and the Pik Up from R506 749. The T8 is cheaper by R56 849 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the T8 or Pik Up?
The T8 has a braked towing capacity of 2000 Kg and the Pik Up can tow 2500 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the T8 or the Pik Up?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.