SAAB 9-3 2007 vs Volvo S40 2006
| Gearbox: | Automatic | Manual | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine: | 1.9 Diesel | 1.8 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: | 150 HP | 125 HP | |
| Torque: | 320 NM | 165 NM | |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11 seconds | 11 seconds | |
| SAAB 9-3 engine produces 25 HP more power than Volvo S40, whereas torque is 155 NM more than Volvo S40. | |||
Fuel consumption | |||
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.6 | 7.4 | |
| Real fuel consumption: | 6.6 l/100km | 8.3 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 0.8 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40, which means that by driving the SAAB 9-3 over 15,000 km in a year you can save 120 litres of fuel. By comparing actual fuel consumption based on user reports, SAAB 9-3 consumes 1.7 litres less fuel per 100 km than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 58 litres | 55 litres | |
| Full fuel tank distance: | 870 km in combined cycle | 740 km in combined cycle | |
| 870 km with real consumption | 660 km with real consumption | ||
| SAAB 9-3 gets more mileage on one fuel tank. | |||
Engines | |||
| Average engine lifespan: | 420'000 km | 460'000 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 Volvo S40 engine could be longer. | |||
| Engine production duration: | 6 years | 5 years | |
| Engine spread: | Used also on SAAB 9-5 | Installed on at least 2 other car models, including Volvo V50, Volvo C30 | |
| In general, the longer and for more car models an engine is produced, the better its serviceability and availability of spare parts. Volvo S40 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: | 4.65 m | 4.47 m | |
| Width: | 1.76 m | 1.77 m | |
| Height: | 1.45 m | 1.45 m | |
| SAAB 9-3 is 18 cm longer than the Volvo S40, 1 cm narrower the height of the cars does not differ significantly. | |||
| Trunk capacity: | 425 litres | 404 litres | |
| Trunk max capacity: with rear seats folded down |
no data | 883 litres | |
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SAAB 9-3 has more luggage capacity. SAAB 9-3 has 21 litres more trunk space than the Volvo S40. | |||
| Turning diameter: | 10.8 meters | 11 meters | |
| The turning circle of the SAAB 9-3 is 0.2 metres less than that of the Volvo S40. | |||
| Gross weight (kg): | 1`600 | 1`850 | |
| Safety: | no data | ||
| Quality: | high | above average | |
| SAAB 9-3 has fewer problems. According to annual technical inspection data Volvo S40 has serious deffects in 25 percent more cases than SAAB 9-3, so SAAB 9-3 quality is probably significantly better | |||
| Average price (€): | 4000 | 2400 | |
| Rating in user reviews: | 9.5/10 | 8.5/10 | |
| Pros and Cons: |
SAAB 9-3 has
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Volvo S40 has
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