Saab 9-5 2.3i T (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
Saab 9-5:
The Saab 9-5 is an executive car, manufactured and marketed by Saab from 1997 to 2012, across two generations.
The first generation 9-5 was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 model year, as the replacement of the Saab 9000. At the time, the car represented a significant development for the manufacturer. In the United States, the 9-5 was introduced in the spring of 1998, for the 1999 model year.
The second generation was presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, 2009 and production began in March 2010. It was the first Saab automobile launched under Spyker Cars' ownership, though developed almost entirely under GM's ownership. Production ceased in 2012 amid Saab's liquidation....(Read more on Wikipedia)
9-5 Overview:
Saab 9-5 (9-5). With 280 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1510 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.7 s). The top speed reaches 225 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
Achieved a commendable 4-star rating for adult occupant protection, highlighting Saab's commitment to safety in its era.
2.3i T (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A well-balanced engine, providing a good blend of power and usability for most driving scenarios, with decent acceleration.
Fuel Economy
Acceptable fuel economy for a 2.3L turbo, offering a good compromise between power and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Distinctive styling and unique brand identity
- • Excellent comfort, especially seats and ride quality
- • Strong and flexible turbocharged engines
- • High level of standard safety features for its time
- • Spacious interior and large trunk capacity
- • Good value on the used car market
Cons:
- • Some engines prone to 'sludge' issues if oil changes neglected
- • Direct Ignition (DI) cassette failures are common
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and less responsive
- • Interior plastics can feel less premium than German rivals
- • Finding specialist parts and mechanics can be challenging
- • Fuel economy can be high on more powerful variants
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(9-5: 1997 - 2001).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Saab |
| Model: | 9-5 |
| Generation: | 9-5 |
| Modification (Engine): | 2.3i T (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1998 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 74.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 280 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | B235E More details about the engine B235E |
| Engine displacement: | 2290 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 7.4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 225 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.9 kg/Hp, 112.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.4 kg/Nm, 185.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1510 |
| Max. weight: | 2020 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 500 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 75 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4805 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1792 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1449 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2703 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1522 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1522 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/65 R15; 215/55 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut |
| Rear suspension | Spring Strut |











If you could change one thing about the Saab 9-5, what would it be?