Mercedes C class 2007 vs SAAB 9-3 2005
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.1 Diesel | 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: | 170 HP | 120 HP | |
| Torque: | 400 NM | 280 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.8 seconds | 11.5 seconds | |
|
Mercedes C class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes C class engine produces 50 HP more power than SAAB 9-3, whereas torque is 120 NM more than SAAB 9-3. Thanks to more power Mercedes C class reaches 100 km/h speed 2.7 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.8 | 5.7 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.0 l/100km | 6.1 l/100km | |
|
The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes C class consumes 1.1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Mercedes C class could require 165 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes C class consumes 0.9 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3. | |||
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 (Mercedes C class) 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: | 8 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Mercedes E klase | 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. Mercedes C class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The Mercedes C class 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: | 4.60 m | 4.65 m | |
| Width: | 1.77 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.46 m | 1.49 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. Mercedes C class is 5 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-3, 1 cm wider, while the height of Mercedes C class is 3 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 419 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 10.8 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| Gross weight (kg): | no data | 1`500 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | average | high | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes C class has serious deffects in 50 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 4200 | 1400 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mercedes C klase has
|
SAAB 9-3 has
| |