SAAB 9-3 2005 vs Mercedes C class 2007
| Gearbox: | Manual | Automatic | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.9 Diesel | 2.1 Diesel | |
| Camshaft drive: | Timing belt | Timing chain | |
| Timing belt usually needs to be replaced more often than the chain, but it is usually significantly cheaper. Timing belt motors are generally quieter and less vibrating than chain motors. | |||
Performance | |||
| Power: | 120 HP | 170 HP | |
| Torque: | 280 NM | 400 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11.5 seconds | 8.8 seconds | |
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Mercedes C class is a more dynamic driving. SAAB 9-3 engine produces 50 HP less power than Mercedes C class, whereas torque is 120 NM less than Mercedes C class. Due to the lower power, SAAB 9-3 reaches 100 km/h speed 2.7 seconds later. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 5.7 | 6.8 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.1 l/100km | 7.0 l/100km | |
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The SAAB 9-3 is a better choice when it comes to fuel economy. By specification SAAB 9-3 consumes 1.1 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class, which means that by driving the SAAB 9-3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 165 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, SAAB 9-3 consumes 0.9 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Mercedes C class. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 litres | 59 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 1010 km in combined cycle | 860 km in combined cycle | |
| 950 km with real consumption | 840 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
| Read the article "Fuel Efficiency: How to Reduce Fuel Consumption" to learn more about fuel economy. | |||
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 (Mercedes C class) 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 | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 8 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used only for this car | Used also on Mercedes E klase | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Mercedes C class might be a better choice in this respect. | |||
| Hydraulic tappets: | no | yes | |
| The Mercedes C class 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: | 4.65 m | 4.60 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.49 m | 1.46 m | |
| Both cars are similar in size. SAAB 9-3 is 5 cm longer than the Mercedes C class, 1 cm narrower, while the height of SAAB 9-3 is 3 cm higher. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 419 litres | 485 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 1500 litres | |
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Mercedes C class has more luggage space. Despite its longer length, SAAB 9-3 has 66 litres less trunk space than the Mercedes C class. 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: | 10.8 meters | 10.8 meters | |
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`500 | 2`205 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Mercedes C class has serious deffects in 50 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 1600 | 4000 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
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Mercedes C klase has
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