Mercedes SLK 2004 vs SAAB 9-3 2006
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.8 Petrol | 1.9 Diesel | |
| Petrol engines (Mercedes SLK) 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: | 163 HP | 150 HP | |
| Torque: | 240 NM | 320 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 8.3 seconds | 10 seconds | |
|
Mercedes SLK is more dynamic to drive. Mercedes SLK engine produces 13 HP more power than SAAB 9-3, but torque is 80 NM less than SAAB 9-3. Thanks to more power Mercedes SLK reaches 100 km/h speed 1.7 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 8.8 | 5.9 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 9.1 l/100km | 6.4 l/100km | |
|
The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification Mercedes SLK consumes 2.9 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 SLK could require 435 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, Mercedes SLK consumes 2.7 litres more fuel per 100 km than the SAAB 9-3. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 790 km in combined cycle | 1060 km in combined cycle | |
| 760 km with real consumption | 980 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| 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 (Mercedes SLK) 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: | 440'000 km | 420'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 13 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes C klase, Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK | Used also on SAAB 9-5 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes SLK might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Mercedes SLK 2004 1.8 engine: The most notable issue with this engine is the sticking of exhaust valves due to carbon buildup. Another significant problem is the unreliable timing chain, which can stretch by 100,000 km. Early symptoms of a ... More about Mercedes SLK 2004 1.8 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.09 m | 4.64 m | |
| Width: | 1.79 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.30 m | 1.43 m | |
| Mercedes SLK is 55 cm shorter than the SAAB 9-3, 3 cm wider, while the height of Mercedes SLK is 13 cm lower. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 208 litres | 235 litres | |
|
SAAB 9-3 has more luggage space. Mercedes SLK has 27 litres less trunk space than the SAAB 9-3. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.5 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the Mercedes SLK is 0.5 metres less than that of the SAAB 9-3, which means Mercedes SLK can be easier to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`705 | 2`040 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | high | |
| SAAB 9-3 has slightly fewer faults. Deffect rate in annual technical inspection is similar for both cars, it's slightly higher for Mercedes SLK, so SAAB 9-3 quality could be a bit better. | |||
| Average price (€): | 8000 | 4600 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
Mercedes SLK has
|
SAAB 9-3 has
| |