Car comparison

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V AerovsBMW 7 Series (E38) · Facelift 1998 740i

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 7 Series (E38) · Facelift 1998

740i

286 hp4398 ccGasolineRWDAutomaticNaturally aspiratedSedan1998-2001

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
  • Lightest
    1,540 kg
    3,395 lb
  • Best power-to-weight
    162 hp/t
    121 kW/t
    6.2 kg/hp
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
    9.8 L/100 km
    24.0 mpg US
    28.8 mpg UK
  • Lowest city consumption
    14.8 L/100 km
    15.9 mpg US
    19.1 mpg UK
  • 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 economy score
    81/100

Specification comparison

Specification comparison
ModelSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
Power
250hp186kW
286hp213kW
Torque
350Nm258lb-ft
440Nm325lb-ft
Curb weight
1,540kg3,395lb
1,850kg4,079lb
Gross weight
2,110kg4,652lb
2,385kg5,258lb
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Calculated
To 99% top speed
70.8s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
74.6s99% target: 257 km/h / 160 mph
Calculated
0-100 km/h
6.9s
7.0s
0-200 km/h
21.7s
Calculated
22.4s
Calculated
0-60 mph
6.6s
Calculated
6.7s
Calculated
Fuel consumption
9.8L/100 km24mpg US28.8mpg UK
12.5L/100 km18.8mpg US22.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption city
14.8L/100 km15.9mpg US19.1mpg UK
18.1L/100 km13mpg US15.6mpg UK
Fuel consumption highway
6.8L/100 km34.6mpg US41.5mpg UK
9.2L/100 km25.6mpg US30.7mpg UK
Quarter mile
14.8s
Calculated
14.9s
Calculated
Power-to-weight
162hp/t121kW/t74hp/1000 lb
Calculated
155hp/t115kW/t70hp/1000 lb
Calculated
Torque-to-weight
227Nm/t152lb-ft/ton
Calculated
238Nm/t159lb-ft/ton
Calculated
Estimated range
714km444mi
Calculated
680km423mi
Calculated
Displacement
2,290cc140cu in
4,398cc268cu in
Length
4,810mm189in
4,984mm196in
Width
1,790mm70in
1,862mm73in
Height
1,450mm57in
1,435mm56in
Wheelbase
2,705mm106in
2,930mm115in
Front track
1,520mm60in
1,552mm61in
Rear track
1,520mm60in
1,568mm62in
Trunk volume
500L
500L
Doors
4
4
Seats
5
5
Fuel tank
70L
85L

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 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740iPowerTorque
  • Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero: Power / Torque
  • BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i: 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i5,400 rpm3,600 rpm5,650 rpm

Acceleration curve

Estimated speed over time for selected vehicles.

Acceleration and drag-race table
MetricSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
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
22.4 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Likely limited
Drag race simulation
60 ft
18 m
2.7 s
2.7 s
330 ft
101 m
6.7 s
6.7 s
1/8 mile
201 m
9.9 s
9.9 s
1000 ft
305 m
12.6 s
12.6 s
1/4 mile
402 m
14.8 s
14.9 s
Trap speed
1/4 mile
402 m
166 km/h
103 mph
164 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
286 hp
213 kW

BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i has 36 hp more than Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero.

The biggest power difference is between Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero and BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i: 36 hp (27 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
440 Nm
325 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
1,850 kg
4,079 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i7.0 s

Although BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i has more power, Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero is quicker from 0-100 km/h.

The biggest 0-100 km/h difference is between Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero and BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i: 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK

The biggest fuel consumption difference is between Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero and BMW 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i: 2.7 L/100 km.

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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
155 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
680 km
423 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
286 hp
213 kW
7.0 s
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 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
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
Power
286 hp
213 kW
0-100 km/h7.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 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
BMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
155 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 kg/hp
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 mpg UK

Detailed score breakdown

Detailed score breakdown
VehicleSaab9-52.3 T 16V AeroBMW7 Series (E38)Facelift 1998740i
Power
250 hp
186 kW
286 hp
213 kW
Torque
350 Nm
258 lb-ft
440 Nm
325 lb-ft
Acceleration
6.9 s
7.0 s
Top speed
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Unrestricted
260 km/h162 mph
Restricted
250 km/h155 mph
Lightness
1,540 kg
3,395 lb
1,850 kg
4,079 lb
Fuel consumption
9.8 L/100 km
24.0 mpg US
28.8 mpg UK
12.5 L/100 km
18.8 mpg US
22.6 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
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Length
4,984 mm
196.2 in
Height
1,435 mm
56.5 in
Range score
714 km
444 mi
680 km
423 mi
Trunk score
500 L
17.7 cu ft
500 L
17.7 cu ft
Power-to-weight score
162 hp/t
121 kW/t
6.2 kg/hp
155 hp/t
115 kW/t
6.5 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 7 Series (E38) Facelift 1998 740i
Consumption9.8 L/100 km24 mpg US28.8 mpg UK12.5 L/100 km18.8 mpg US22.6 mpg UK
Cost / 100 km17.15 LC100 km21.88 LC100 km
Cost / 100 mi27.60 LC100 mi35.20 LC100 mi
Annual fuel used1,470 L388 US gal323 UK gal1,875 L495 US gal412 UK gal
Annual fuel cost2,573 LC/year3,281 LC/year

Head-to-head comparisons

Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero

  • Is 310 kg lighter
  • Is 0.1 s quicker from 0-100 km/h
  • Uses 2.7 L/100 km less fuel
  • Has 8 hp/t better power-to-weight
  • Has 34 km (21 mi) more estimated range

Pros

  • Quickest 0-100 km/h in this comparison
  • Highest top speed
  • Lightest
  • Lowest combined fuel consumption
  • Best power-to-weight ratio
  • Best estimated range
  • Largest trunk

Cons

  • Lowest power

Choose cars to compare

Brand
Model
Generation
Engine or modification
Saab 9-5 2.3 T 16V Aero
BMW 7 Series (E38) 740i
Compare selected cars
2 vehicles selected

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