1983 Porsche 959 vs. 1981 Saab 900
To start off, 1983 Porsche 959 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Saab 900. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Saab 900 would be higher. At 2,849 cc (6 cylinders), 1983 Porsche 959 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1983 Porsche 959 (444 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 344 more horse power than 1981 Saab 900. (100 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1983 Porsche 959 should accelerate faster than 1981 Saab 900. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1983 Porsche 959 weights approximately 270 kg more than 1981 Saab 900. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1983 Porsche 959 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1983 Porsche 959. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1981 Saab 900, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1983 Porsche 959 (510 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 348 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Saab 900. (162 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1983 Porsche 959 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Saab 900.
Compare all specifications:
| 1983 Porsche 959 | 1981 Saab 900 | |
| Make | Porsche | Saab |
| Model | 959 | 900 |
| Year Released | 1983 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Rear | Front |
| Engine Size | 2849 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | boxer | in-line |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 100 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 510 Nm | 162 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4750 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1290 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2280 mm | 2530 mm |
