SAAB 9-3 2006 vs Mercedes CLK 2003
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.9 Diesel | 1.8 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing 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 HP | 163 HP | |
| Torque: | 320 NM | 240 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 10.5 seconds | |
|
Mercedes CLK is a more dynamic driving. SAAB 9-3 engine produces 13 HP less power than Mercedes CLK, but torque is 80 NM more than Mercedes CLK. Due to the lower power, SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.5 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.2 | 9.2 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.1 l/100km | 9.2 l/100km | |
|
The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification SAAB 9-3 consumes 2 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes CLK, which means that by driving the SAAB 9-3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 300 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, SAAB 9-3 consumes 2.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes CLK. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 62 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 870 km in combined cycle | 670 km in combined cycle | |
| 880 km with real consumption | 670 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
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 (Mercedes CLK) 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 km | 440'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 13 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on SAAB 9-5 | Installed on at least 3 other car models, including Mercedes C klase, Mercedes E klase, Mercedes SLK | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes CLK might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Mercedes CLK 2003 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 CLK 2003 1.8 engine | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.64 m | 4.64 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.74 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.41 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. SAAB 9-3 and Mercedes CLK are practically the same length. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 235 litres | 276 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 390 litres | |
|
Mercedes CLK has more luggage space. SAAB 9-3 has 41 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes CLK. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.2 metres more than that of the Mercedes CLK. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`040 | 2`135 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | below average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes CLK has serious deffects in 300 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 3800 | 7400 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
|
Mercedes CLK has
| |