1998 BMW 320 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 1998 BMW 320 is newer by 10 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 2,169 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (175 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 1998 BMW 320. (170 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 BMW 320 weights approximately 167 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
Because 1998 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 1998 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, 1988 Saab 9000 (278 Nm @ 3000 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 320. (210 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1988 Saab 9000 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 320. 1998 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. 1998 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 320 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 320 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2169 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 170 HP | 175 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 210 Nm | 278 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Top Speed | 224 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1500 kg | 1333 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
