2001 BMW 320 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 2001 BMW 320 is newer by 13 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 1,994 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 BMW 320 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 56 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 BMW 320 weights approximately 185 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
Because 2001 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 2001 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, 2001 BMW 320 (330 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 40 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 9000. (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 9000. 2001 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. 2001 BMW 320 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 BMW 320 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 320 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1994 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 330 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1505 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2670 mm |
