Hero Xoom 160 Vs Yamaha Aerox 155 Drag Race: Who Wins?

Hero Xoom 160 Vs Yamaha Aerox 155 Drag Race: The performance-maxi scooter segment in India has long been dominated by the Yamaha Aerox 155, a machine praised for its sporty dynamics, sharp design and peppy engine. However, with the recent arrival of the Hero Xoom 160, this battlefield has grown fiercer. Designed with a bold adventure-inspired character and aggressive intent, the Xoom 160 seems poised to challenge the Aerox's reign. The real question: when pitted head-to-head in a drag race, which scooter wins among these two? This is what I'm gonna tell you in this article. Before moving ahead, join our 91Wheels WhatsApp Community to stay versed on the latest automotive news.

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Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Battle

At first glance, the engine specs of both scooters look neck-to-neck:

• Hero Xoom 160: 156cc liquid-cooled, 14.6 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 14 Nm torque @ 6,500 rpm.
• Yamaha Aerox 155: 155cc liquid-cooled, 14.7 hp @ 8,000 rpm and 13.9 Nm torque @ 6,500 rpm.

While the Aerox has a slight edge in peak horsepower by 0.1 hp, the Xoom offers marginally higher torque, which typically helps in low-end acceleration - crucial for drag races starting from a standstill.

In real-world conditions, as witnessed in the recent YouTube drag race video by Suraj, the Xoom 160 didn't just perform well; it outright dominated the initial phase of the race. The heavier build of the Xoom (142 kg vs. Aerox's 126 kg) did not seem to be a drawback in this scenario. On the contrary, the Xoom's planted stance and torque advantage seemed to allow it to launch more aggressively.

Acceleration and Top-End Performance

Interestingly, during the mid-to-high speed section of the race, the two machines appeared to go neck and neck, each touching a top speed of around 117-118 kmph. The Aerox's slightly higher power-to-weight ratio (thanks to being lighter) gave it a fighting chance in this phase, preventing the Xoom from completely pulling away.

However, the initial surge favoured the Hero Xoom decisively, giving it the psychological and practical edge. A faster launch can often dictate the winner in a drag race where every millisecond counts.

Chassis and Handling Dynamics

Both scooters ride on 14-inch wheels, but their suspension setups tell different stories:

• Xoom 160: Front telescopic fork and monoshock rear, coupled with block-pattern tyres designed for mixed terrain.
• Aerox 155: Telescopic forks upfront, twin rear shocks and road-focused tires.

The Xoom's suspension seems more tuned for comfort and stability, which likely contributed to its ability to put power down more effectively without wheel spin or instability during the drag run. Meanwhile, the Aerox, built more for sharp cornering and aggressive handling in urban settings, did well but appeared to struggle a bit when it came to delivering instant punch from the start.

Tech and Features: Adding to the Equation

In terms of convenience and tech:

• Both offer fully digital instrument clusters, smart key systems, and LED lighting.
• The Xoom gains an edge with remote key ignition.
• Both have engine start-stop systems and side-stand cut-off switches.

While tech doesn't directly affect the drag race, the overall rider confidence from modern features can influence how aggressively a rider pushes the throttle. In this case, the Xoom's adventure-focused ergonomics likely gave the rider a more comfortable and commanding posture for launching off the line.

Price Consideration

• Hero Xoom 160: Starts at Rs. 1.48 lakh (Ex-showroom).
• Yamaha Aerox 155: Starts at Rs. 1.50 lakh (Ex-showroom).

The slight pricing advantage of the Xoom, combined with superior initial acceleration, makes it a more value-for-money proposition in this drag race scenario.

Hero Xoom 160 Vs Yamaha Aerox 155 Drag Race: Who Wins?

When judged purely by drag race performance, the Hero Xoom 160 takes the crown - primarily due to its strong low-end torque, better weight distribution and a more planted feel during launch. The Aerox 155 performs admirably and keeps up well at high speed, but the initial lag in acceleration gives the Xoom the upper hand.

That said, the battle doesn't end here. The Yamaha Aerox remains a more refined scooter for sporty handling and urban agility, while the Hero Xoom focuses on a rugged, adventure-inspired character with a practical edge. If outright acceleration is your primary measure, the Xoom wins. But for a more well-rounded performance scooter, the Aerox still holds its charm.

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