Lexus IS 2009 vs SAAB 9-3 2007
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 1.9 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing belt | |
| Engine chain usually needs to be replaced less often than the timing belt, but the cost of replacing the chain is usually higher. Chain motors are considered to be more reliable, but noisier and more vibration generating. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 208 HP | 120 HP | |
| Torque: | 252 NM | 280 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.1 seconds | 11.5 seconds | |
|
Lexus IS is more dynamic to drive. Lexus IS engine produces 88 HP more power than SAAB 9-3, but torque is 28 NM less than SAAB 9-3. Thanks to more power Lexus IS reaches 100 km/h speed 3.4 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.1 | 5.4 | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Lexus IS consumes 3.7 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Lexus IS could require 555 litres more fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 litres | 58 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 710 km in combined cycle | 1070 km in combined cycle | |
| 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 (Lexus IS) 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 | |||
| Engine production duration: | 17 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Lexus GS | 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. Lexus IS might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The Lexus IS engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.59 m | 4.65 m | |
| Width: | 1.80 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.45 m | |
| Lexus IS is 7 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-3, 4 cm wider, while the height of Lexus IS is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 378 litres | 425 litres | |
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SAAB 9-3 has more luggage space. Lexus IS has 47 litres less trunk space than the SAAB 9-3. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.2 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Lexus IS is 0.6 metres less than that of the SAAB 9-3, which means Lexus IS can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | no data | 1`500 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | no data | high | |
| Average price (€): | 7000 | 2800 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Lexus IS has
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SAAB 9-3 has
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