Performance Review: Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible - [2008]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Saab 9-3 Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible is the 6 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 2008. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 2008 Ariel Atom V8 500 and the 2008 SSC Ultimate Aero TT.This particular Saab 9-3 has a 2792cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The 9-3 shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the 9-3's Front Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 2022 Volkswagen-VW Golf R Performance 2.0 Turbo or the 2020 Toyota Avalon TRD 3.5 V6.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1680 kgs (3703 lbs) this makes the Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible in the same weight category as the 2023 Aston-Martin Valour 5.2 V12 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Saab 9-3 shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 2792cc 24V V6 engine produces 247 bhp (184 kW) @ 5500 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (266 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 258 lb-ft (349.8 Nm) @ 1800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft) or the 2022 Toyota Corolla GR 1.6 Turbo (273 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Saab 9-3 you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Saab 9-3.

The Saab 9-3 has a Power to weight ratio of 147.0 bhp per ton and 153.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 2008 9-3 competing with the 2019 Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus (172.0 bhp per ton) or the 2009 Audi TT 3.2 V6 Quattro S-Line (172.0 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Saab 9-3 generating around 153.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2017 Audi A3 S3 Saloon 2.0 Turbo (178.3 lb-ft per ton) or the 2016 Jaguar F-Pace 3.0 V6 Supercharged (178.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.00 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 7.2 secs, this made the Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible as fast as the 2020 Alfa-Romeo Giulia 2.2 16v Turbo Diesel (7.00 secs) the 2015 Mazda MX5 2.0i Roadster Coupe (7.00 secs) the 2013 Seat Leon SC 1.8 FR Start-Stop DSG (7.00 secs) the or the 2012 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi Cabriolet DSG (7.00 secs). This Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible is also faster than the 2018 Abarth 595 Turismo 1.4 Turbo (7.10 secs) the 2013 Land-Rover Range Rover Sport 3.0 SDV6 (7.10 secs) the 2012 Lexus ES 350 (7.10 secs) the and the 2011 Abarth 500 Essessee 1.4 Turbo (7.10 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the 9-3 and the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon

When talking about the performance of the Saab 9-3 on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.16 secs @ 90.2 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon (15.10 secs), the 2016 Audi A6 3.0 TDI BiTurbo Quattro Tiptronic (15.11 secs), and the 1970 Oldsmobile Toronado 7.4 V8 (15.14 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 2008 version of the Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible has a maximum speed of 149mph.

Top Speed of the 2008 9-3 equals the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 2008 Saab 9-3 2.8t Aero Convertible then how about the 2023 Lotus Eletre 603 bhp (160 mph), the 2022 Lotus Eletre S 603 bhp (160 mph), or the 2009 Lotus Evora 3.5 V6 (160 mph).

Related Links:

2008 9-3 Rivals List.

A Brief History of Saab

Car Comparison