1989 Mercedes-Benz S vs. 2003 Saab 03-Sep
To start off, 2003 Saab 03-Sep is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 2,599 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Mercedes-Benz S is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (173 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-Sep should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 10 kg more than 2003 Saab 03-Sep.
Because 1989 Mercedes-Benz S 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 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Saab 03-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, 2003 Saab 03-Sep (350 Nm @ 2500 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2003 Saab 03-Sep will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | 2003 Saab 03-Sep | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Saab |
| Model | S | 03-Sep |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2599 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 164 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 228 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 80.3 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1520 kg | 1510 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5030 mm | 4640 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2950 mm | 2710 mm |
