  Hadron production ($\pi^\pm$, proton, $\Lambda$, $K_S^0$, $K^\pm$) in $\pi^-
+ \mathrm{C}$ and $\pi^- + \mathrm{W}$ collisions is investigated at an
incident pion beam momentum of $1.7~\mathrm{GeV}/c$. 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 $\pi^- + A \rightarrow \Lambda + K_S^0 +X$, 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.
