SAAB 9-3 1998 vs Mazda 626 1995
| 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 | 76 HP | |
| Torque: | 260 NM | 172 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 10.9 seconds | 14.7 seconds | |
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SAAB 9-3 is more dynamic to drive. SAAB 9-3 engine produces 39 HP more power than Mazda 626, whereas torque is 88 NM more than Mazda 626. Thanks to more power SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 3.8 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.2 | 6.8 | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.6 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mazda 626, which means that by driving the SAAB 9-3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 90 litres of fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 litres | 60 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1090 km in combined cycle | 880 km in combined cycle | |
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 350'000 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 SAAB 9-3 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 7 years | 20 years | |
| 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. | |||
Dimensions | |||
| Length: | 4.63 m | 4.70 m | |
| Width: | 1.71 m | 1.75 m | |
| Height: | 1.43 m | 1.39 m | |
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SAAB 9-3 is smaller, but slightly higher. SAAB 9-3 is 7 cm shorter than the Mazda 626, 4 cm narrower, while the height of SAAB 9-3 is 4 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | no data | 455 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 747 litres | |
| Turning diameter: | 10.5 meters | 10.6 meters | |
| The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.1 metres less than that of the Mazda 626. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`600 | 1`715 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mazda 626 has serious deffects in 15 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably better | |||
| Average price (€): | 800 | 600 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
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Mazda 626 has
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