SAAB 9-3 1998 vs Mazda 626 1999
| Gearbox: | Manual | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.2 Diesel | 2.0 Diesel | |
| 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: | 115 HP | 110 HP | |
| Torque: | 260 NM | 230 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10.9 seconds | 11 seconds | |
| SAAB 9-3 engine produces 5 HP more power than Mazda 626, whereas torque is 30 NM more than Mazda 626. Thanks to more power SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 0.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.2 | 5.9 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.8 l/100km | 5.8 l/100km | |
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The Mazda 626 is a better choice in terms of fuel economy based on user-reported consumption, although the specification shows otherwise. By specification SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.3 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 626, which means that if you drive 15,000 km in a year, the SAAB 9-3 could require 45 litres more fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, SAAB 9-3 consumes 1 litres more fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 626. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 litres | 64 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1090 km in combined cycle | 1080 km in combined cycle | |
| 1470 km on highway | 1250 km on highway | ||
| 1000 km with real consumption | 1100 km with real consumption | ||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 380'000 km | |
| Engine resource depends largely on regular maintenance and the quality of the oils and fuels used. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 6 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Mazda 323, Mazda Premacy | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mazda 626 might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | yes | no | |
| The SAAB 9-3 engine has hydraulic tappets (lifters), providing quieter operation and no need for periodic adjustment, but they are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in case of failure. | |||
| Mazda 626 1999 2.0 engine: The engine is reliable if you use quality diesel. Turbine life is not very long, however. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.63 m | 4.59 m | |
| Width: | 1.71 m | 1.71 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.43 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. SAAB 9-3 is 4 cm longer than the Mazda 626, width is practically the same also the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 502 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 10.5 meters | 10.4 meters | |
| The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.1 metres more than that of the Mazda 626. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`600 | 1`770 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | above average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mazda 626 has serious deffects in 270 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 800 | 800 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.8/10 | 6.2/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
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Mazda 626 has
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