BMW 3 series 2003 vs SAAB 9-3 2005
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.0 Petrol | 2.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 231 HP | 250 HP | |
| Torque: | 300 NM | 350 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 6.9 seconds | 7.1 seconds | |
| BMW 3 series engine produces 19 HP less power than SAAB 9-3, whereas torque is 50 NM less than SAAB 9-3. Despite less power, BMW 3 series reaches 100 km/h speed 0.2 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.6 | 11.0 | |
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The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. BMW 3 series consumes 1.4 litres less fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3, which means that by driving the BMW 3 series over 15,000 km in a year you can save 210 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 650 km in combined cycle | 570 km in combined cycle | |
| BMW 3 series 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: | 460'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used, but under equal conditions the average life of a BMW 3 series engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 3 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | 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. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
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): | 2`020 | 2`090 | |
| 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 (€): | 5800 | 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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