Mercedes E class 1999 vs SAAB 9-5 2001
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 3.2 Diesel | 3.0 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: | 197 HP | 177 HP | |
| Torque: | 470 NM | 350 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.3 seconds | 9.3 seconds | |
|
Mercedes E class is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes E class engine produces 20 HP more power than SAAB 9-5, whereas torque is 120 NM more than SAAB 9-5. Thanks to more power Mercedes E class reaches 100 km/h speed 1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.8 | 7.3 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.7 l/100km | 7.5 l/100km | |
|
The SAAB 9-5 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes E class consumes 0.5 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-5, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the Mercedes E class could require 75 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes E class consumes 1.2 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-5. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 litres | 75 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 830 km in combined cycle | 1020 km in combined cycle | |
| 1100 km on highway | 1290 km on highway | ||
| 740 km with real consumption | 1000 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-5 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 9-5) 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 E 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 | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 560'000 km | 350'000 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 Mercedes E class engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 4 years | 4 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on Mercedes S 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 E class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The Mercedes E 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: | 4.82 m | 4.83 m | |
| Width: | 1.80 m | 1.79 m | |
| Height: | 1.44 m | 1.48 m | |
| Mercedes E class is 1 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-5, 1 cm wider, while the height of Mercedes E class is 4 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 520 litres | no data | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
520 litres | no data | |
| Turning diameter: | 11.3 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes E class is 0.5 metres more than that of the SAAB 9-5, which means Mercedes E class can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`160 | 1`800 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | above average | above average | |
| SAAB 9-5 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes E class has serious deffects in 10 percent more cases than SAAB 9-5, so SAAB 9-5 quality is probably slightly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 2000 | 1200 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 8.3/10 | 8.4/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mercedes E klase has
|
SAAB 9-5 has
| |