Saab 9-3 vs. Saab 9-5: Which Should You Buy? 

As a tall man (200 cm) I sit very comfortably in my 2004 9-3 turbo 👌Greetings from Sweden✊

The 9-3 was born in Detroit and the 9-5 in Sweden. If you want more of a traditional Saab with the "Saab quirks" then it's a 9-5 all day.

Very interesting. I have a 05 9-5 Aero and an 01 9-3 Viggen. As we went through the list, a lot of the scores came out the same for the same reasons. Scoring probably varies too, for people who live in urban areas vs twisty country road people. Most often I prefer to drive my Viggen for pure enjoyment, but when I want to relax while cruising it's the 9-5 Aero - Just like the analysis. Ultimately I love both.

Hey Jacob, I like the photo that you picked of the black Saab 9-3 Aero right after you were talking about the cool Factor score. That is my Saab that I just recently sold on cars and bids. It was a 2006 Saab 9-3 Aero with 68,000 miles and it sold for $10,000. I feel famous that my former Saab 9-3 made your video. Thanks for all your great Saab videos!

I put a 7.5 cubic ft refrigerator in the back seat of my 9-5. THAT'S practical. If i could have any Saab new i would prefer a 9000 aero

As a 9-3 Aero owner I agree with most parts, but I think the Features section should have gone to the 9-5. For me an Aux cable can’t beat ventilated front and heated rear seats :D

I prefer 9-5 for maybe more quality feeling. The materials inside just feel like less GM and more saab. Might only be my biased opinion. Also options are great with 9-5 (ventilated seats are so great)

Great video. The 9-5 should really be compared to the OG 9-3 as they're more similar in terms of power train, interior look and quality, features, etc. The NG 9-3 is a newer platform that was made to look like a smaller 9-5. Ultimately, it's hard to compare as even though they're the same model year, the 2005 9-5 and 2005 9-3 are of different generations; the 9-5 goes back to the 1990s, hence the lack of aux port, etc. Keep up the great content!

Ten 9-3's later and I'm falling in love with this 07 9-5. I currently have five SAAB's and I'm driving the 9-5 much more!

Thanks bro for helping me to join the journey of Saab group 👍💯

One aspect I miss in the Weekend factor and that is back seat space. As a grown up you are much better off in a 9-5. One time In sat in the back of a 9-3 I had to bend my head forward for not bumping into the ceiling and I couldn't put my feet under the front seats as the seats were closed right down to the floor. And I am not that big measuring 1,79m. I have never driven a 9-3 but my father loved the driving caracteristics of the 9-3 Aero Convertible he bought at 85; reminded him of the 99 EMS he bought new in 1979. Also 99's have better comfort in the back than a NG-9-3.

As a 5X saab owner, currently have an 04 9-5 wagon that I bought in 08. Previously, a 9-3 sedan and later a 9-3 Sport Combi wagon V6. The 9-3 is lighter with quicker handling. The 9-5 is quick with better seats and the added wight makes for a quieter and more comfortable ride

I have the 04 9-5 arc that I've done alot of work on and after 4 years I've finally got it looking and running good. Drives and looks almost brand new, it's got the eco power turbo and has all the power I need,. I'm not working so I drive it recreationally and the only thing that bothers me about it is the engine ping like a loose tappet, but that does'nt stop it from running like a bat out of hell, anyway a good video and an honest comparison.

are you able to make a video on the different materials used on the interiors., like is their any soft touch trim in places or is it all hard plastics?

What about a comparison of the 9-5NG with the 9-5 ad 9-3NG? I have not seen anything like that. Really enjoy your videos, Thank You!

I own a 05 9-5 Aero and love it. I found a 08 9-3 aero sportcombi for sale and I want it so badly because the v6 sounds so good and I love the wagon body style

Interesting how the tune-ability is viewed differently in the US (seems to be way more V6s). One of the best/biggest Saab tuners here (SWE) prefers the 2.3T/2.0T way, way above the 2.8.

Well, well, well: i've the best Saab of all: a 2000 9-3 2,0 non turbo hatchback with 200k miles on the clock.... Thanks for all great videos you do on Saab! Greeting from Denmark.

There's a bunch of tech features on 9-3s that I wish my sharktooth had; lights going on while turning, remote window operation, reAxs, and brighter/better LCDs.

Off this topic, how are the LED bulbs you installed working out, recommend?

Will find out hopefully soon. I am on the prowl for a 08 era OG9-5 Aero.

I have a 2006 9-3 Aero 2.8L V6 turbo convertible with 120,000 miles. I agree with your assessment, except for comfort. After replacing the struts, my 9-3 feels a lot better. Enjoy your contents!

Before watching the video, the 9-3 is probably the most beautiful car ever made(fight me!), the 9-5 on the other hand is not bad, but not quite the 9-3 if that makes sense. And not just going by looks, the 9-3 to me is more fun to drive. Though I had to trade my 9-3 sedan for a 9-5 kombi(2 kids, needed the space). All in all, both are fantastic cars.

Hey Jacob, great video, I enjoyed it. I have to say I don't completely agree on a few of your scores, particularly with the car features, that should have gone with the 9-5 Aero which had loads more special features as standard, like heated rear seats, folding mirrors, auto wipers, auto dimming mirrors ect. Also, from my personal opinion perspective, I get much more of a thrill driving my 9-5 first gen than the 9-3. There's something about the sheer acceleration of something so big and heavy that has me addicted. But I might be biased as the 9-5 was the car that brought me into the world of Saab

I own a 1998 9-5 2.0t and i love it :)

Ok so I need some clarity,the four cylinder 9-3 can handle up to or a little over 300hp to the crank or wheels until you have to start tearing Into the motor?..

Maybe you can help tell me what’s wrong with my 9-3 it’s a 2004 9-3 convertible and it keeps misfiring on all cylinders it’s not the engine tranny or turbo or anything major it has to be something small because it will start and take me on a 2 hour drive no problem just misfires can it be because I have 1 different brand spark plug than the other ones I’ve took it to a mechanic and keep paying for diagnostics and no one can tell me what’s wrong

I have a '99 Viggen that I have been slowly restoring. Even though it only has 120k on it, it was not treated with respect by the previous owners. The handling was squirrely, but once I replaced all the suspension bits and bobs, and threw on a set of Pilot Sports, it transformed the car. It only is a weekend car, but technically I could use it as a daily, but I have a '11 9-3 six speed for that. Even though I am six feet tall. I have always preferred the smaller Saabs, but in my mind the 900 is still king, and it is a shame that I don't have a warehouse to store the ones that I sadly sold. What I am curious about is that I had always heard that the 9-5 suspension was more tunable and better than the 9-3.

Nice Vid

Love my 2007 93 2.0T, if anyone here is thinking about it for a daily; DO IT!!!! Got her up to 245hp and it's such a great fun car.

Always had a thing for the 9-5s. Had a 2.0 LPT

Had several 9-3 convertibles an 98 and an 06 great cars I fancy scratching the itch I have for 9-3 vector estate as we ssi in the UK or Cadillac bls whicy as Saab enthusiasts we all know it's the same car.would like this 1.9 ttid in either car.

Did you ever figure out why your turbo kept staying red hot???

I’t seems that there are fewer 9-5s for sale then 9-3s. I guess there were fewer sold originally?

SAAB owners.. anyone had to replace the ac comprasser? And from where did you get it?

The 2004-2005 Saab 9-5 aero are my favorites models🏁🏁🏁👍

As an owner of an 07 9-3 Aero and three 9-5 Aeros I can say this: The 9-5 wins in comfort hands down and the 9-3 wins in handling all day. With all my vehicles near or over 200K the 9-5s all have less squeaks and rattles compared to the 9-3. It's WAY easier to work on the 2.3L than the 2.8L and a Tech II can do almost everything on a 9-5 where on a 9-3 you need a laptop with TIS just to replace a window switch. Parts for both cars are getting equally scarce these days but you will be able to find a lot more 9-3s in junkyards and they have a better aftermarket inventory. If I ever get another 9-3, it would be a 2.0L. Another thing about a 9-5 is I rarely see them, but I see 9-3s on the road all the time.

What i want is a mid 1970's saab 99 or a 95,or 96 2 stroke

I love my 9.3

I enjoy your vids, so please don't take this the wrong way, but I think that your particular comparison is an unfair one. B235 vs V6, Pre-06 vs 06. You tied the fun factor to handling, which had already been evaluated separately. I know that you had to work with what you had, but..... Just my thoughts. Thanks again for all of the vids! Sparks in Daytona

Absolutely loved my 9.3 Vector Turbo, I always thought it was a WOLF in sheep's clothing. Wonderful car.

In tuning thoughts the T7+ gearbox is not that great as you know, the 9-3 NG is better but not as good as the old T5 ;) The 5 speed manual gearbox with a good clutch in the B207 can take alot, up to 500hp on a track car and 2 years of that too ;) Nordic Performance did it and now they got 620hp in a 2 liter B207 so they had to upgrade the gearbox.

9-5 imo but never owned a 9-3 aero so cant really compare

By the way great job on the video Me I like my 05 SAAB ARC CV , IM NOT A FAN OF THE 9-5..

I prefer the 95 NG or 94x

I had a 9-5 aero 250hp and a 9-3 aero 210hp and I can't think of anything the 9-5 wasn't better at except maybe fuel consumption. Quality, comfort and performance are in a different league. Haven't owned the v6 as being a vauxhall engine I figured it would just be unreliable.

What about the 9-3 arc 😂😂

9:15 yeah but neither do 90% of phones nowadays :shrug:

My saab is a bit wierd because the sid says that the brake light is out, even though it's working!

I own a 95 SE

🙌🙌🙌

9-3 (or 900) for me. If nothing else then only because there are many more 9-3's with cloth seats as opposed to 9-5 which almost always have leather seats. I find the cloth-seats much more comfortable and the leather seats do in general not age very well.

I prefer the 9-5. More comfortable, has a better quality feel and looks so much better

In overall 93 is better at my eyes. I have 93 Aero and if you went to give a 95 probably i will selling it. 95 its a good car but…. Something missing.

My family had 5st Saab’s Saab 9-5 2.3T Vector 2004 (Rip) Silver Saab 9-5 2.3T SE 2001 silver Saab 9-5 2.0T SE 1999 (rip) dark blue Saab 9-5 2.0T SE 2001 black Saab 9-5 2.0T SE 2001 rare green

I have a 2006 9 5 and a 2007 9 3 Convertible. It's a tie!

Honestly I am thankful Doug has not reviewed the NG9-3, especially the Facelift Aero Vert. Prices would shoot up or non-fans would quickly decimate the remaining herd. 🤣🤣🤣

why do you compare 2 cars made for different purposes

In terms of features - 9-5 have vented front seats, cooled glovebox, heated rear seats for example. In my book this things beat aux any day of the week, especially considering that implementing aux in 9-5 is a simple thing, but installing vented seats into 9-3 - emmm... not so much. And in terms of engines, I'd better consider 9-3 Aero with 2.0 turbo, V6 is heavy, prone to overheat, hard to work on, because it's very tight in the motor bay, hungry for fuel etc. And honestly, engine with 2 headblocks, hence twice more complex than inline design, looks pretty stupid to me in the first place, but ithat's just me.

Oh definitely the 9-5 not like I'm biased or anything😏...

Get both, then a 900, and a 9000.

The 9-3

So if you want to kill em at the twisty track....St3 NG9-3 Aero V6 manual. If you want to comfortably shock & Awe the racerboys on the highway and at stoplights....St3 OG9-5 Aero manual. If you want rude, hilarious and borderline dangerous (unless it has an LSD)...St3 Viggen.

9-5🥰🥰

I've a 9-5 vector auto 🤷‍♂️

9-5 has more older technology than 9-3 9-3 has lower interior quality, plastic and cheap materials in everywhere on interior 9-5 has classy design and 9-3 has more sporty design espically when you get Aero or Turbo X I'd choose 9-5, if the comparison had the 9-3 between S60 (P2 of course), I would choose the S60.

All things considered, I'd have to go with the........... S60 2.5T.

Neither. 9000 2.3T Abbott Racing conversion would beat either of these into a meringue every day...

You are answering a vexed question. Thankyou for that. I agree the 9-3 is more dynamic drive though the 9-5 being designed before GM took 100% ownership still retained many traditional SAAB attributes. The 2006 update modernised the 9-5 though droped many traditional quality fittings and did not fit a 6 speed manual or auto which was where the market had moved. I suspect that as SAAB was not making the profit GM hoped it would money was tight and with limited money decisions on which car to concentrate on were made and I suspect it was the 9-3 with the NG 9-5 being the car that was to reinvigorate the 9-5. Anyway just a thought as we will never know if production continued what the NG 9-5 might have achieved. Capping of this diatribe I always felt GM sort of left the 9-5 to do its thing without appropriate long term investment as the bean counters were in charge and not the passionate engineers looking to make different but great cars that owners would love.

9-3 более молодежный дизайн, 9-5 более "пенсионный". По крайней мере в России

9-3 is better i have a 9-3 sport combi ttid (dissel)

"Saabs are all very cheap cars" lol come on man :)

None of the above

I think 9-5 2.3turbo

I'd take a 9000 aero over either

Doug DeMuro 1/10

Saab engine > (that’s my only argument)

9-5 baby get a 9-3 if you want water leaking all over the inside of your car from the ac

Neither, just buy a Ferrari.