1996 BMW 725 vs. 1985 Saab 9000
To start off, 1996 BMW 725 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Saab 9000. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Saab 9000 would be higher. At 2,498 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 BMW 725 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1985 Saab 9000 (173 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 1996 BMW 725. (141 HP @ 4600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1985 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1996 BMW 725. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 BMW 725 weights approximately 385 kg more than 1985 Saab 9000.
Because 1996 BMW 725 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 1996 BMW 725. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1985 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, 1996 BMW 725 (280 Nm @ 2200 RPM) has 2 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Saab 9000. (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1996 BMW 725 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 BMW 725 | 1985 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 725 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1985 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2498 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 141 HP | 173 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80.1 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1785 kg | 1400 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5130 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1870 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2940 mm | 2720 mm |
