Volvo V50 vs Saab 9-3 04/15/2011
Volvo and Saab are pretty similar companies, in that they're both based in Sweden and have a penchant for developing vehicles for the wagon segment. So what happens when you pit two of the company's pricier wagon offerings, the V50 and 9-3, up against each other?
The V50 is the cheaper of the two vehicles, with a starting price of $29,000 compared to the 9-3 at $30,330. Volvo's warranty is superior, as it offers 5 years/60,000 miles of coverage compared to the 9-3's 4 years/50,000 miles.
Most drivers probably aren't purchasing a wagon so they can speed down the highway, but these cars don't skimp in the performance department. The V50 offers 227 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque while the Saab produces 210 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. Volvo also offers a shiftable automatic transmission on the base model, while the 9-3 is stuck with a manual unless drivers pay more.
The 9-3 does have dual climate control, which is only available on the Volvo as an option. Still, the V50 comes with HD radio, iPod hookup and Bluetooth standard, in addition to things like keyless ignition and parking assist offered as a la carte options.
In the end, this isn't really close. The V50 is cheaper, provides more power, and has a better transmission and warranty, making it the winner.