SAAB 9-3 1998 vs Mazda 626 1999
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 2.3 Petrol | 2.0 Petrol | |
| 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: | 150 HP | 115 HP | |
| Torque: | 210 NM | 170 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 12.1 seconds | |
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SAAB 9-3 is more dynamic to drive. SAAB 9-3 engine produces 35 HP more power than Mazda 626, whereas torque is 40 NM more than Mazda 626. Thanks to more power SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.1 seconds faster. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 10.2 | 8.5 | |
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The Mazda 626 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. SAAB 9-3 consumes 1.7 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 255 litres more fuel. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 litres | 64 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 660 km in combined cycle | 750 km in combined cycle | |
| 890 km on highway | 940 km on highway | ||
| Mazda 626 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 500'000 km | 440'000 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: | 6 years | 20 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on SAAB 900 | Used only for this car | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. | |||
| 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 | 4.59 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`700 | |
| 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 10 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably slightly 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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