2002 BMW 330 vs. 1988 Saab 9000
To start off, 2002 BMW 330 is newer by 14 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 2,979 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 BMW 330 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Saab 9000 (204 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 3 more horse power than 2002 BMW 330. (201 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Saab 9000 should accelerate faster than 2002 BMW 330. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 BMW 330 weights approximately 295 kg more than 1988 Saab 9000.
Because 2002 BMW 330 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 2002 BMW 330. 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, 2002 BMW 330 (410 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Saab 9000. (290 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2002 BMW 330 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Saab 9000.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 BMW 330 | 1988 Saab 9000 | |
| Make | BMW | Saab |
| Model | 330 | 9000 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2979 cc | 1985 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 201 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 410 Nm | 290 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 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 | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1615 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2790 mm | 2670 mm |
