SAAB 9-3 2006 vs BMW 3 series 2004

 
SAAB 9-3
2006 - 2007
BMW 3 series
2004 - 2005
Gearbox: AutomaticAutomatic
Engine: 1.9 Diesel2.0 Diesel
Camshaft drive: Timing beltTiming chain
Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors.

Performance

Power: 150 HP150 HP
Torque: 320 NM330 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 11 seconds9.7 seconds
BMW 3 series is a more dynamic driving.
SAAB 9-3 and BMW 3 series have the same engine power, but SAAB 9-3 torque is 10 NM less than BMW 3 series. SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds later.

Fuel consumption

Fuel consumption (l/100km): 7.26.3
Real fuel consumption: 7.1 l/100km7.6 l/100km
By specification SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.9 litres more fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the SAAB 9-3 could require 135 litres more fuel.
But when we compare the real fuel consumption reported by users, SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100 km than the BMW 3 series.
Fuel tank capacity: 63 litres63 litres
Full fuel tank distance: 870 km in combined cycle1000 km in combined cycle
880 km with real consumption820 km with real consumption

Drive type

Wheel drive type: Front wheel drive (FWD)Rear wheel drive (RWD)
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 (BMW 3 series) 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: 420'000 km420'000 km
Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used.
Engine production duration: 6 years9 years
Engine spread: Used also on SAAB 9-5Installed on at least 2 other car models, including BMW 1 sērija, BMW X3
In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. BMW 3 series might be a better choice in this respect.

Dimensions

Length: 4.64 m4.49 m
Width: 1.76 m1.76 m
Height: 1.43 m1.37 m
SAAB 9-3 is 15 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, width is practically the same , while the height of SAAB 9-3 is 6 cm higher.
Trunk capacity: 235 litres260 litres
BMW 3 series has more luggage space.
Despite its longer length, SAAB 9-3 has 25 litres less trunk space than the BMW 3 series. This could mean that the SAAB 9-3 uses more space in the cabin, so the driver and passengers could be more spacious and comfortable.
Turning diameter: 11 meters10 meters
The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 1 metres more than that of the BMW 3 series, which means SAAB 9-3 can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces.
Gross weight (kg): 2`0402`040
Safety:
Quality:
high

average
SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems.
According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 205 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better
Average price (€): 70005800
Rating in user reviews: 7.6/10 7.9/10
Pros and Cons: SAAB 9-3 has
  • timing belt engine
  • fewer faults
BMW 3 sērija has
  • timing chain engine
  • more dynamic
  • more full fuel tank mileage
  • roomier boot
  • better manoeuvrability
  • lower price
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