BMW 3 series 2003 vs SAAB 9-3 2003
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.2 Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 170 HP | 150 HP | |
| Torque: | 210 NM | 240 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 9.1 seconds | 10 seconds | |
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BMW 3 series is more dynamic to drive. BMW 3 series engine produces 20 HP more power than SAAB 9-3, but torque is 30 NM less than SAAB 9-3. Thanks to more power BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.9 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.4 | 8.6 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.2 l/100km | 8.9 l/100km | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification BMW 3 series consumes 0.8 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the BMW 3 series could require 120 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, BMW 3 series consumes 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 670 km in combined cycle | 730 km in combined cycle | |
| 850 km on highway | 940 km on highway | ||
| 680 km with real consumption | 700 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Drive type | |||
| Wheel drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) | Front wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Front-wheel drive cars (SAAB 9-3) have better traction on slippery roads and when climbing hills, better fuel economy, and are less expensive to purchase. On the disadvantage side, FWD cars usually have less towing capacity, poorer acceleration and harder handling. Rear-wheel drive cars (BMW 3 series) have better handling on dry roads, better acceleration, more even weight distribution and more fun to drive. RWD is also better for towing large loads. The cons of rear-wheel drive are less interior and trunk space and more difficulty maneuvering in wet and snowy conditions. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 10 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW Z4, BMW Z3 | Used only for this car | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.49 m | 4.64 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.37 m | 1.43 m | |
| BMW 3 series is 15 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-3, width is practically the same , while the height of BMW 3 series is 6 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 260 litres | 235 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
300 litres | no data | |
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BMW 3 series has more luggage capacity. Even though the car is shorter, BMW 3 series has 25 litres more trunk space than the SAAB 9-3. The SAAB 9-3 may have more interior space, so the cabin could be more spacious and more comfortable for the driver and passengers. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the BMW 3 series is 1 metres less than that of the SAAB 9-3, which means BMW 3 series can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`960 | 2`040 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | above average | high | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 25 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 6000 | 7000 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.9/10 | 7.6/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
BMW 3 sērija has
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SAAB 9-3 has
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