VS
At a Glance
Power
233 kW
133 kW
Torque
400 Nm
430 Nm
Fuel
7.8 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Towing
—
2700 Kg
0-100 km/h
5.4 s
—
Engine
1998 cc
2442 cc
Choosing between the BMW X1 and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BMW X1 delivers 233 kW while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport produces 133 kW. On fuel, the X1 returns 7.8 l/100km while the Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 196 100 for the X1 and R789 990 for the Pajero Sport. 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
233 kW
133 kW
Torque
400 Nm
430 Nm
0-100 kph
5.4 s
—
Top Speed
250 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1998 cc
2442 cc
Engine Layout
inline
—
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
diesel
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
8
Drive Wheels
all
rear
Full Time 4x4
✓ Standard
—
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
7.8 l/100km
8.1 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
54 l
68 l
CO2 Emissions
176 g/km
214 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4505 mm
4825 mm
Width
1845-2104 mm
1815 mm
Height
1642 mm
1805 mm
Wheelbase
2692 mm
2800 mm
Ground Clearance
—
218 mm
Kerb Weight
1665 DIN / 1740 EU Kg
1980 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Load Volume
540-1600 l
193-813 l
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
2700 Kg
Load Capacity
575 l
620 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
7
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
✓ Standard
—
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
—
Sunroof
Optional
—
Heated Seats
Optional
—
Keyless Entry
Optional
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
2
3
Warranty Distance
unlimited Km
100000 Km
Service Plan
—
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
—
5
Service Plan Distance
—
90000
Service Intervals
service interval indicator / 20000 km
10000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
X1
Fuel Economy
X1
Value
Pajero Sport
Practicality
Pajero Sport
Pros & Cons
BMW X1
More powerful engine (233 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.8 l/100km)
Higher starting price
No factory service plan
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
Lower starting price (R789 990)
Factory service plan included
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (133 kW vs 233 kW)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the X1 or Pajero Sport?
The X1 uses 7.8 l/100km and the Pajero Sport uses 8.1 l/100km on the combined cycle. The X1 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 X1 or Pajero Sport?
The X1 produces 233 kW and 400 Nm of torque while the Pajero Sport delivers 133 kW and 430 Nm of torque. The X1 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the X1 and Pajero Sport?
The X1 starts from R1 196 100 and the Pajero Sport from R789 990. The Pajero Sport is cheaper by R406 110 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the X1 or Pajero Sport?
The X1 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Pajero Sport can tow 2700 Kg. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the X1 or the Pajero Sport?
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.