Car comparison

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V AerovsBMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i

Compare specs, acceleration, fuel consumption, dimensions, practicality, and estimated running costs side by side.

New comparison

Saab 9-5

2.3 T 16V Aero

250 hp2290 ccGasolineFWDManualTurbochargedSedan1999-2001
VS

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46)

330i

231 hp2979 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan2000-2001

Comparison overview

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Best choices

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h
    6.9 s
  • Fastest top speed
    260 km/h
    162 mph Unrestricted
    250 km/h
    155 mph Restricted
  • Most powerful
    250 hp
    186 kW
  • Highest torque
    350 Nm
    258 lb-ft
  • Lowest highway consumption
    6.8 L/100 km
    34.6 mpg US
    41.5 mpg UK
  • Best estimated range
    714 km
    444 mi
  • Largest trunk
    500 L
  • Best overall score
    63/100
  • Best performance score
    58/100
  • Best economy score
    81/100
  • Best practicality score
    75/100

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i

  • Lightest
    1,400 kg
    3,086 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    165 hp/t
    123 kW/t
    6.1 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.6 L/100 km
    24.5 mpg US
    29.4 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    14.0 L/100 km
    16.8 mpg US
    20.2 mpg UK

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
Power
250hp186kW
231hp172kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
300Nm221lb-ft
Curb weight
1,540kg3,395lb
1,400kg3,086lb
Gross weight
2,110kg4,652lb
1,900kg4,189lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
247 km/h
153 mph
To 99% top speed
70.8s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
62.7s99% target: 245 km/h / 152 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.9s
7.0s
0-200 km/h
21.7s
Calculated
22.5s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.6s
Calculated
6.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.8L/100 km24mpg US28.8mpg UK
9.6L/100 km24.5mpg US29.4mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.8L/100 km15.9mpg US19.1mpg UK
14L/100 km16.8mpg US20.2mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
7L/100 km33.6mpg US40.4mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.8s
Calculated
14.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
162hp/t121kW/t74hp/1000 lb
Calculated
165hp/t123kW/t75hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
227Nm/t152lb-ft/ton
Calculated
214Nm/t143lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
656km408mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,290cc140cu in
2,979cc182cu in
Length
4,810mm189in
4,471mm176in
Width
1,790mm70in
1,739mm68in
Height
1,450mm57in
1,415mm56in
Wheelbase
2,705mm106in
2,725mm107in
Front track
1,520mm60in
1,471mm58in
Rear track
1,520mm60in
1,483mm58in
Trunk volume
500L
440L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
63L

Performance charts

Use the estimates as comparison hints and verify exact figures before making decisions.

Dyno simulation

Estimated stock-style power and torque curves by engine speed.

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V AeroBMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330iPowerTorque
  • Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero: Power / Torque
  • BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i: Power / Torque
Dyno simulation data table
VehiclePeak power RPMPeak torque RPMMax engine speed
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero5,300 rpm1,900 rpm5,550 rpm
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i5,900 rpm3,500 rpm6,150 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
Acceleration checkpoints
0-60 mph
0-97 km/h
6.6 s
6.7 s
0-100 km/h
0-62 mph
6.9 s
7.0 s
0-200 km/h
0-124 mph
21.7 s
22.5 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
247 km/h
153 mph
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.8 s
330 ft
101 m
6.7 s
6.8 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.9 s
10.0 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.6 s
12.7 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.8 s
14.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
166 km/h
103 mph
165 km/h
102 mph

Power comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power. Higher is better · hp / kW

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
250 hp
186 kW
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
231 hp
172 kW

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero has 19 hp more than BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i.

The biggest power difference is between BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i and Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero: 19 hp (14 kW).

Torque comparison

Bar comparison chart for Torque. Higher is better · Nm / lb-ft

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
300 Nm
221 lb-ft

Curb weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Curb weight. Lower is better · kg / lb

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
1,400 kg
3,086 lb

Top speed without limiter comparison

Bar comparison chart for Top speed without limiter. Higher is better · km/h / mph

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
247 km/h
153 mph

0-100 km/h comparison

Bar comparison chart for 0-100 km/h. Lower is better · seconds

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero6.9 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i7.0 s

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero and BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i: 0.1 s.

Fuel consumption comparison

Bar comparison chart for Fuel consumption. Lower is better · L/100 km / mpg US / mpg UK

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Power-to-weight comparison

Bar comparison chart for Power-to-weight. Higher is better · hp/t / kW/t

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp

Estimated range comparison

Bar comparison chart for Estimated range. Higher is better · km / mi

Chart data table
VehicleValue
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
714 km
444 mi
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
656 km
408 mi

Performance spider chart

Radar chart comparing normalized performance and fuel-consumption scores.

Chart data table
VehiclePowerAccelerationTop speed
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
250 hp
186 kW
6.9 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
231 hp
172 kW
7.0 s
247 km/h
153 mph

Most attractive quadrant

Scatter chart with performance score on the X axis and practicality score on the Y axis.

Chart data table
VehiclePerformance scorePracticality score
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,810 mm
189.4 in
Height
1,450 mm
57.1 in
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in

Performance vs fuel economy

Cars closer to the top-right corner combine stronger performance with better fuel economy scores.

Performance vs fuel economy data table
VehiclePerformance scoreFuel economy score
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
Power
250 hp
186 kW
0-100 km/h6.9 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
Power
231 hp
172 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 s
Top speed
247 km/h
153 mph
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero is closest to the top-right balance target for performance and fuel economy.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption

Cars closer to the lower-left corner offer a better mix of quick acceleration and low fuel consumption.

Acceleration vs fuel consumption data table
VehicleFuel consumption, L/100 km0-100 km/h, s
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
6.9 s
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
7.0 s

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption

The shaded area favors higher power-to-weight with lower combined fuel consumption.

Power-to-weight vs fuel consumption data table
VehiclePower-to-weight, hp/tFuel consumption, L/100 km
Saab9-52.3 T 16V Aero
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330i
Power
250 hp
186 kW
231 hp
172 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
300 Nm
221 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.9 s
7.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
247 km/h
153 mph
Lightness
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
1,400 kg
3,086 lb
Fuel consumption
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
9.6 L/100 km
24.5 mpg US
29.4 mpg UK
Practicality
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,810 mm
189.4 in
Height
1,450 mm
57.1 in
Doors/seats
4 doors
5 seats
Trunk
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Length
4,471 mm
176.0 in
Height
1,415 mm
55.7 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
656 km
408 mi
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
440 L
15.5 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
165 hp/t
123 kW/t
6.1 kg/hp
Overall
Fixed score
Fixed score

Fuel cost and annual usage

Estimate running costs from combined consumption, your annual distance, and the fuel price in your local currency.

Enter the fuel price in your local currency, for example €/L, $/gal, £/L or any other local currency.

LC = Local Currency

Fuel cost and annual usage
VehicleSaab 9-5 2.3 T 16V AeroBMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i
Consumption9.8 L/100 km24 mpg US28.8 mpg UK9.6 L/100 km24.5 mpg US29.4 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.15 LC100 km16.80 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.60 LC100 mi27.04 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,470 L388 US gal323 UK gal1,440 L380 US gal317 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,573 LC/year2,520 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero

  • Has 19 hp more
  • Has 50 Nm more
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Has 13 km/h (8 mph) higher top speed
  • Has 58 km (36 mi) more estimated range
  • Has 60 L more trunk volume

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Most powerful
  • Highest torque
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Highest combined fuel consumption
  • Heaviest

BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i

  • Is 140 kg lighter
  • Uses 0.2 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 3 hp/t better power-to-weight

Pros

  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio

Cons

  • Slowest 0-100 km/h
  • Lowest power
  • Lowest top speed
  • Smallest trunk

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero
BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

Popular comparisons

2.3 T 16V Aero
2.7 T V6
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsAUDIA6 (4B/C5)2.7 T V6
330i
330i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (E46)Facelift 2001330i
2.3 T 16V Aero
2.3 T5
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsVolvoS702.3 T5
330i
328i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (E36)328i
2.3 T 16V Aero
535i V8
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsBMW5 Series (E39)535i V8
330i
330i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Touring (E46)330i
2.3 T 16V Aero
535i V8
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsBMW5 Series (E39)Facelift 2000535i V8
330i
330i
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Sedan (E90)330i
2.3 T 16V Aero
3.0i V6
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsNissanCedric (Y34)3.0i V6
330i
330Ci
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Coupe (E46)330Ci
2.3 T 16V Aero
5.0 i V8 SS
VS
Saab9-52.3 T 16V AerovsHoldenCommodore (VT)5.0 i V8 SS
330i
330Ci
VS
BMW3 Series Sedan (E46)330ivsBMW3 Series Convertible (E46)330Ci
Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero vs BMW 3 Series Sedan (E46) 330i - car comparison - FastVsFaster