Lexus IS 2009 vs SAAB 9-3 2010
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.5 Petrol | 1.9 Diesel | |
| Petrol engines (Lexus IS) are generally quieter, smoother, and better suited for short trips due to quicker warm-up times. Diesel (SAAB 9-3) engines, on the other hand, offer superior fuel efficiency and torque, making them ideal for long-distance driving and heavy loads. Read more: Petrol vs. Diesel: Fuel Economy and Key Differences. | |||
| 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 | 180 HP | |
| Torque: | 252 NM | 400 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.1 seconds | 8.5 seconds | |
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Lexus IS is more dynamic to drive. Lexus IS engine produces 28 HP more power than SAAB 9-3, but torque is 148 NM less than SAAB 9-3. Thanks to more power Lexus IS reaches 100 km/h speed 0.4 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 9.1 | 5.3 | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. Lexus IS consumes 3.8 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Lexus IS could require 570 litres more fuel. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
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 | 4 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. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.59 m | 4.65 m | |
| Width: | 1.80 m | 2.04 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.47 m | |
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Lexus IS is smaller. Lexus IS is 6 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-3, 24 cm narrower, while the height of Lexus IS is 5 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 378 litres | 351 litres | |
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Lexus IS has more luggage capacity. Even though the car is shorter, Lexus IS has 27 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: | 10.2 meters | no data | |
| Gross weight (kg): | no data | 2`030 | |
| Safety: | no data | no data | |
| Quality: | no data | no data | |
| Average price (€): | 6400 | 4600 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Lexus IS has
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SAAB 9-3 has
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