1988 BMW M3 vs. 2006 Saab 05-Sep
To start off, 2006 Saab 05-Sep is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 BMW M3 would be higher. At 2,303 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 BMW M3 (221 HP @ 6750 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2006 Saab 05-Sep. (217 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1988 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Saab 05-Sep. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Saab 05-Sep weights approximately 400 kg more than 1988 BMW M3.
Because 1988 BMW M3 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 1988 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Saab 05-Sep, 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, 2006 Saab 05-Sep (310 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 BMW M3. (245 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2006 Saab 05-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 BMW M3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 BMW M3 | 2006 Saab 05-Sep | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | M3 | 05-Sep |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2303 cc | 2290 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 221 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6750 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 245 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4750 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93.4 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 237 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1200 kg | 1600 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4350 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1510 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2690 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
