Abstract Hadron production ( π ± , proton, Λ , K S 0 , K ± ) in π - + C and π - + W collisions is investigated at an incident pion beam momentum of 1.7 GeV / c . This comprehensive set of data measured with HADES at SIS18/GSI significantly extends the existing world data on hadron production in pion induced reactions and provides a new reference for models that are commonly used for the interpretation of heavy-ion collisions. The measured inclusive differential production cross-sections are compared with state-of-the-art transport model (GiBUU, SMASH) calculations. The (semi-) exclusive channel π - + A → Λ + K S 0 + X , in which the kinematics of the strange hadrons are correlated, is also investigated and compared to a model calculation. Agreement and remaining tensions between data and the current version of the considered transport models are discussed.