1991 BMW 318 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1991 BMW 318 is newer by 3 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 1,985 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Saab 9000 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 35 more horse power than 1991 BMW 318. (140 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1991 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Saab 9000 weights approximately 93 kg more than 1991 BMW 318. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1991 BMW 318 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 1991 BMW 318. 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 103 more torque (in Nm) than 1991 BMW 318. (175 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1991 BMW 318.
Compare all specifications:
| 1991 BMW 318 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 318 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1991 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1796 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 140 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 175 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 211 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 | 1240 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2670 mm |
