BMW Z8 vs Saab 9-3
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2011 Saab 9-3
Overview
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | 2.0T |
| Body style | Convertible | Sedan |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 6-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2011 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $131,500 | $28,900 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 15 MPG | 24 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 12 MPG | 21 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 19 MPG | 31 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 16.4 gal |
Performance
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 394 hp (best) | 210 hp |
| Torque | 368 lb-ft (best) | 221 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 4.9 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V8 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 2 seats | 5 seats (best) |
| Doors | 2 | 4 (best) |
| Cargo volume | 5.1 cu ft | 15 cu ft (best) |
| Curb weight | 3,495 lbs (best) | — |
| Ground clearance | — | 5.9 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 98.6 in | 105.3 in (best) |
| Length | 173.2 in | 182.9 in (best) |
| Width | 72 in (best) | 70.9 in |
| Height | 51.9 in | 57.1 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | BMW Z8Base | Saab 9-32.0T |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported (best) | 3 |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | BMW Z8 | Saab 9-3 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $131,500 MSRP(Currently comparing) | 2.0T $28,900 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | — | 2.0T $30,330 MSRP |
| 3 | — | 2.0T $39,990 MSRP |
| 4 | — | 2.0T $32,395 MSRP |
| 5 | — | Aero $35,340 MSRP |
| 6 | — | Aero $37,020 MSRP |
| 7 | — | Aero $45,080 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Aero $38,115 MSRP |
BMW Z8 vs Saab 9-3 FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 BMW Z8 vs 2011 Saab 9-3 on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2011 Saab 9-3 starts lower at $28,900.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- The 2011 Saab 9-3 leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (28,900).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- The 2011 Saab 9-3 leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (24).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- The 2003 BMW Z8 leads on horsepower in this comparison (394).
- Which has better seats: 2003 BMW Z8 or 2011 Saab 9-3?
- The 2011 Saab 9-3 leads on seats in this comparison (5).