Model Year | 2011 | 2009 | |
Model | BMW 3-Series | Saab 9-3 | |
Engine | |||
Transmission | |||
Drivetrain | |||
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 108.7 in | 105.3 in | 3.4 in |
Length | 178.2 in | 182.5 in | -4.3 in |
Width | 71.5 in | 69.0 in | 2.5 in |
Height | 55.9 in | 56.8 in | -0.9 in |
Curb Weight | 3340 lb. | 3230 lb. | 110 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 15.9 gal. | 16.4 gal. | -0.5 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.5 in | 38.9 in | -0.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 55.4 in | 56.3 in | -0.9 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 41.5 in | 42.3 in | -0.8 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.5 in | 37.0 in | 0.5 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 55.1 in | 55.1 in | 0 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 34.6 in | 35.1 in | -0.5 in |
Total Legroom | 76.1 in (over 2 rows) | 77.4 in (over 2 rows) | -1.3 in |
Cargo Volume | 12.0 ft3 | 15.0 ft3 | -3 ft3 |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Comment | |
2012 | Another surprising strength for the new BMW 3-Series. There's more room in back than in competing cars, and the seat is comfortably positioned and shaped. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Relatively small back seat room. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2011 BMW 3-Series Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 300hp 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic RWD |
Tight for large people. Fine for kids. Smaller than a G37, much smaller than a Maxima. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
tight and not too useful a space see full BMW 3-Series review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan 230-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Rear seat room not as expansive as competitors. Trunk capacity could be better. see full BMW 3-Series review |
2009 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Great seats! see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
Great seats. Very supportive of back and upper thighs. Don't have tightness in shoulders and neck anymore on long drives. see full Saab 9-3 review |
2009 Saab 9-3 Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2009 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
Limited knee room in front with rear facing car seat behind. see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 210hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual FWD |
The seats are very comfortable, but those with longer legs (especially thighs) might have trouble getting in a comfortable position. Tall drivers may find some awkwardness with all around reach. I.E. The steering wheel doesn't telescope far enough f see full Saab 9-3 review |
2008 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 280hp 2.8L V6 6-speed manual AWD |
No space. see full Saab 9-3 review |