SAAB 9-3 2005 vs BMW 3 series 2003
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.8 Petrol | 3.0 Petrol | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing chain | Timing chain | |
Performance | |||
| Power: | 250 HP | 231 HP | |
| Torque: | 350 NM | 300 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 7.1 seconds | 6.9 seconds | |
| SAAB 9-3 engine produces 19 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 50 NM more than BMW 3 series. Despite the higher power, SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.2 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 11.0 | 9.6 | |
|
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. SAAB 9-3 consumes 1.4 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 210 litres more fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 63 litres | 63 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 570 km in combined cycle | 650 km in combined cycle | |
| BMW 3 series 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 (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 km | 460'000 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 BMW 3 series engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 3 years | 7 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Installed on at least 6 other car models, including BMW 5 sērija, BMW X5, BMW 7 sērija, BMW X3, BMW Z4 | |
| 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 m | 4.49 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.76 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.37 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 litres | 260 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 300 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 meters | 10 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`090 | 2`020 | |
| Safety: | |||
| Quality: | high | above average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data BMW 3 series has serious deffects in 25 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 7000 | 5800 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.6/10 | 7.9/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
|
BMW 3 sērija has
| |