Model Year | 2011 | 2006 | |
Model | Saab 9-5 | Subaru Outback | |
Engine | turbocharged 2.8L V6 DOHC-4v 300 hp@5500 295 lb-ft@2000 |
turbocharged 2.5L H4 DOHC-4v 250 hp@6000 250 lb-ft@3600 |
|
Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed shiftable automatic | |
Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | |
Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan | |
Difference | |||
Wheelbase | 111.7 in | 105.1 in | 6.6 in |
Length | 197.2 in | 186.2 in | 11 in |
Width | 73.5 in | 69.7 in | 3.8 in |
Height | 57.7 in | 59.1 in | -1.4 in |
Curb Weight | 4354 lb. | 3595 lb. | 759 lb. |
Fuel Capacity | 18.0 gal. | 16.9 gal. | 1.1 gal. |
Headroom, Row 1 | 38.9 in | 37.6 in | 1.3 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 1 | 57.6 in | 54.4 in | 3.2 in |
Hip Room, Row 1 | 0.0 in | 51.0 in | -51 in |
Legroom, Row 1 | 42.2 in | 44.1 in | -1.9 in |
Headroom, Row 2 | 37.9 in | 36.5 in | 1.4 in |
Shoulder Room, Row 2 | 56.4 in | 53.7 in | 2.7 in |
Hip Room, Row 2 | 0.0 in | 52.6 in | -52.6 in |
Legroom, Row 2 | 38.8 in | 33.9 in | 4.9 in |
Total Legroom | 81 in (over 2 rows) | 78 in (over 2 rows) | 3 in |
Cargo Volume | 18.2 ft3 | 11.4 ft3 | 6.8 ft3 |
2011 Saab 9-5 Seat Room and Comfort: Pros | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2011 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD |
One of the roomiest back seats of any vehicle. Test drove competitors TL, A4 and 3-series and found that none of their backseat room was anywhere close to the Saab's. Also the truck is extremely large making the car very useful for a growing family. see full Saab 9-5 review |
2010 | 4dr Sedan turbocharged 220hp 2.0L I4 6-speed manual AWD |
Most car seats can be comfortable for a 1 hour drive. Few can be comfortable for a 4 hour drive. Luckily the Saab seats fall into the latter category. see full Saab 9-5 review |
2006 Subaru Outback Seat Room and Comfort: Cons | ||
Year | Body/Powertrain | Comment |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Leg and head room lacking for over 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Sedan 245-horsepower 3.0L H6 5-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Seat back a bit low for 6 footers. see full Subaru Outback review |
2007 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
I was amazed at how small the back seat is in this car. Really no bigger than a compact sedan, eg Civic or Corolla. I can't fit my 3 kids (in car seats) back there, and feel bad when co-workers pile in to go to lunch. Surprisingly small for a vehicle this size, and marketed as a "family car." If you plan to put adults or 3 kids back there regularly, look at the '10 or newer (or at something else -- the rear seat in my co-worker's Accord is far bigger and more comfortable). see full Subaru Outback review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
Too small for kids see full Subaru Outback review |
2006 | 4dr Wagon 175-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
Too short! I am 6ft tall and the front passenger seat leaves me feeling very cramped. Drivers position is better. Seats also too narrow. Maybe plenty of room for skinny folks, but not for us folks that are large boned :-) see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD |
The Outback is much smaller (but not cheaper) than the XC70. see full Subaru Outback review |
2005 | 4dr Wagon 168-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed shiftable automatic AWD |
very tight and narrow rear seat room. feels much bumpier in the rear seat than the front seat. see full Subaru Outback review |