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Maybe...maybe not....
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Posted by Seamus (more from Seamus) on Fri, 17 Nov 2000 08:18:26 Share Post by Email
In Reply to: You're right the Saab is faster...., AdamB [Profile/Gallery] , Thu, 16 Nov 2000 22:21:37
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Good God! We car fans love comparison's, don't we?

Regarding Chris's perceptions on acceleration comparison and (in another one of his posts), the increased HP of the 2001 325i over the 2000 323i. While BMW's change in model designation from 323i to 325i was really just a name change (in that, as Richard also pointed out, both models use the same 2.5 liter engine), BMW makes yearly refinements to its existing engines, just like SAAB does. In some weekend magazing browsing at the book store, I noticed that the 2001 325i models do indeed have a horsepower boost,up to 184 H.P. @6000 RPM's, and 175 lb-ft of torque @3500 RPM's. Close to, although not quite equaling, the 9-3 base numbers. I have no idea why BMY called the 2000 model a 323i in the first place.

So, the acceleration of 325i and the 9-3 "base" may end up being be quite close. As Chris said, maybe too close to call. And remember, he's only comparing his 9-3 base model to his new BMW. Of course, the SAAB folks know they can purchase a 9-3 SE, with its 205 H.P. engine, for less money than the 325i BMW. So, for the money (or less money), it would seem SAAB would certainly be capable of bettering the 325i performance, in acceleration anyway. As to handling on a road course? Hmmmm..........that would be an interesting face off to see. Might depend on whether you were using a 9-3 base or an SE. And on whether you were using a base 325i, or one with the sport package. And on whether you had attended a drivers course, like the VFA!

Times in the same car, or between two comparable models, easily vary between drivers' skill level, location and elevation where tests are performed,road or track surface where tests are performed, transmissions, curb weight, final drive ratios, etc. Heck, even two identical models off the same assembly line may vary a tenth or so in performance, due to normal production tolerances.

To the average driver, a difference of a tenth or so doesn't really mean much, and is probably undetectable to most from behind the wheel. It's even possible for one car to "feel" faster than another, even if, by the numbers, it's not. A turbo-charged motor and a normally asperated motor have very different "characters" and driving feel. BMW's range of inline sixes are some of the finest engines made. And SAAB's turbo fours are also right up there. The turbo motor is a big part of the SAAB experience and character. While the SAAB makes great "mid-range" torque and top end passing power, their "off the line" grunt doesn't match many normally asperated engines. For that quick off the line start, the old saying, "There's no substitute for cubic inches" usually applies. But not always. The BMW's 2.5 liter motor is small (for a six), smaller than the SAAB 2 liter four, and most test reports comment on its lack of low end torque. The 330i on the other hand, usually gets rave reviews, and gives nice lkow end punch, plus great mid and top end power as well. But for much greater cost.

I guess Richard P is right. There's only one way to settle this. Meet at the track and duke it out!!


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