SAAB 9-3 2006 vs Mercedes SLK 1996
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.9 Diesel | 2.0 Petrol | |
| Diesel (SAAB 9-3) engines typically outperform gasoline engines in terms of fuel efficiency and low-end torque. This makes them more economical and better suited for towing or long-distance travel. However, gasoline (Mercedes SLK) engines mostly are lighter, quieter, and offer better acceleration and responsiveness, especially in smaller vehicles. For more information, see the article "Diesel or Petrol: Fuel Economy and Key Differences." | |||
| 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 | 136 HP | |
| Torque: | 320 NM | 190 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 9.7 seconds | |
| SAAB 9-3 engine produces 14 HP more power than Mercedes SLK, whereas torque is 130 NM more than Mercedes SLK. Despite the higher power, SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.3 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 7.2 | 9.3 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 7.1 l/100km | 9.0 l/100km | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification SAAB 9-3 consumes 2.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SLK, which means that by driving the SAAB 9-3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 315 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, SAAB 9-3 consumes 1.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes SLK. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 53 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 870 km in combined cycle | 560 km in combined cycle | |
| 880 km with real consumption | 580 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: | 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 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: | 420'000 km | 580'000 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 SLK engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 8 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on SAAB 9-5 | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Mercedes E klase, Mercedes CLK | |
| 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. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.64 m | 4.00 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.72 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.29 m | |
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SAAB 9-3 is larger. SAAB 9-3 is 64 cm longer than the Mercedes SLK, 4 cm wider, while the height of SAAB 9-3 is 14 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 235 litres | 145 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 348 litres | |
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SAAB 9-3 has more luggage capacity. SAAB 9-3 has 90 litres more trunk space than the Mercedes SLK. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | 10.5 meters | |
| The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.5 metres more than that of the Mercedes SLK, which means SAAB 9-3 can be harder to manoeuvre in tight streets and parking spaces. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 2`040 | 1`530 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes SLK has serious deffects in 330 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | ||
| Average price (€): | 4800 | 3000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
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Mercedes SLK has
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