1988 Saab 9000 vs. 2006 BMW 320
To start off, 2006 BMW 320 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 1,995 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 BMW 320 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 1988 Saab 9000. (136 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 BMW 320 should accelerate faster than 1988 Saab 9000. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 BMW 320 weights approximately 375 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 BMW 320 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 2006 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000, 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 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 158 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 9000. (172 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2006 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 9000. 2006 BMW 320 has automatic transmission and 1988 Saab 9000 has manual transmission. 1988 Saab 9000 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Saab 9000 | 2006 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Saab | BMW |
| Model | 9000 | 320 |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2006 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1985 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 136 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 172 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.1:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 192 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1305 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4630 mm | 4490 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 54 L | 63 L |
