The hatchback generally has more luggage space thanks to a larger trunk door opening and the ability to convert the rear of the passenger compartment into luggage space. Sedans tend to be quieter than hatchbacks, due to a more isolated rear area.
Gearbox:
Manual
Manual
Engine:
2.3 Petrol
2.2 Petrol
Performance
Power:
225 HP
170 HP
Torque:
342 NM
210 NM
Acceleration 0-100 km/h:
6.8 seconds
8.3 seconds
SAAB 9-3 is more dynamic to drive. SAAB 9-3 engine produces 55 HP more power than BMW 3 series, whereas torque is 132 NM more than BMW 3 series. Thanks to more power SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 1.5 seconds faster.
Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption (l/100km):
9.6
8.9
The BMW 3 series is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.7 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 105 litres more fuel.
Fuel tank capacity:
64 litres
63 litres
Full fuel tank distance:
660 km in combined cycle
700 km in combined cycle
880 km on highway
910 km on highway
BMW 3 series gets more mileage on one fuel tank.
Drive type
Wheel drive type:
Front wheel drive (FWD)
Rear wheel drive (RWD)
Dimensions
Length:
4.64 m
4.47 m
Width:
1.71 m
1.74 m
Height:
1.43 m
1.42 m
SAAB 9-3 is 17 cm longer than the BMW 3 series, 3 cm narrower, while the height of SAAB 9-3 is 1 cm higher.
Trunk capacity:
no data
440 litres
Turning diameter:
10.5 meters
10 meters
The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.5 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):
1`600
1`895
Safety:
Quality:
BMW 3 series has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data SAAB 9-3 has serious deffects in 105 percent more cases than BMW 3 series, so BMW 3 series quality is probably significantly better