How gold turned a Maruti 800 into a Land Rover over 35 years: Goenka’s tweet has the internet buzzing

Amidst the world's volatile markets and depreciating currencies, one asset has steadfastly endured. And everyone is talking about it. It is indeed the valuable yellow metal known as gold.

“1990: 1kg gold = Maruti 800, 2000: 1kg gold = Esteem, 2005: 1kg gold = Innova, 2010: 1kg gold = Fortuner, 2019: 1kg gold = BMW, 2025: 1kg gold = Land Rover.” He concluded with a cautionary note, “Lesson: Keep the 1kg gold- in 2030 it may equal a Rolls Royce car and in 2040 a private jet!” read his post.

In 1990, 1 kg of gold could buy a basic car, the Maruti 800, famously known as the people's car of India. Back then, gold was valued more as jewellery than as an investment.

According to CarWale, the starting price of the Maruti Suzuki 800 was ₹1.66 lakh.

By 2000, 1 kg of gold was enough to buy a more premium sedan, the Maruti Esteem. The yellow metal had begun its upward journey, steadily keeping pace with inflation.

As per CarWale, the starting price of the Maruti Esteem was ₹4.63 lakh.

Fast forward to 2005, and 1 kg of gold could now buy a bigger, more powerful family car, the Toyota Innova. Gold had doubled in value over five years.

According to CarWale, the starting price of the Toyota Innova Crysta was ₹18.66 lakh.

By 2010, gold had tripled in just five years. Its value now matched that of a premium SUV, the Toyota Fortuner.

As per CarWale, the top model of the Fortuner was priced at ₹20.58 lakh.

According to CarWale, prices for the BMW 3 Series ranged between ₹46.90 lakh to ₹52.90 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).

In 2025, 1 kg of gold is worth enough to buy a Land Rover, a symbol of luxury and status. Despite economic uncertainty and market volatility, gold continues its steady climb in value.

According to CarWale, the starting price of Land Rover cars in India (October 2025) is ₹63.40 lakh.

Goenka's observations come against the backdrop of a sharp rally in gold, which has delivered over 50% returns in just one year.

The tweet ignited a lively discussion online, with users sharing a wide range of views.

"Gold is an appreciating asset. Car or Jet starts depreciating from the moment it leaves the showroom. So there's no comparison," one user posted.

"Haha, seems like holding onto that 1kg gold could be a smart long-term investment! Who knows, by 2040, it might just get you a seat in space. Time to start stocking up!," another user posted.

"Invest in gold, the wise always say, From Maruti to BMW, it paves the way Coins today, Rolls tomorrow, jets in sight, Hold it tight, sleep well at night Gold today, empire tomorrow , your future," read another post.