Saab 900 Turbo

vs

Saab 93

Sweden vs Sweden — 1978 vs 1955

Saab 900 Turbo (1978)
Saab 93 (1955)
Specifications
900 Turbo Classic 900 Turbo SPG93 Standard
Horsepower185 hp33 hp
Torque201 lb-ft44 lb-ft
Engine Size1,985 cc748 cc
0-60 mph7.4 sec
Top Speed137 mph75 mph
¼ Mile15.6 sec
Weight2,822 lbs1,863 lbs
Wheelbase2,520 mm2,490 mm
Length4,730 mm4,060 mm
Units Produced52,731
Original MSRP$26,000
Value (Excellent)$30,000$45,000
Collectibility6/107/10
Rarity5/107/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1978 Saab 900 Turbo Classic 900 Turbo SPG brings more power, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1955 Saab 93 Standard answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Saab has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1978 Saab 900 Turbo Classic 900 Turbo SPG with the 1955 Saab 93 Standard highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1978 Saab 900 Turbo Classic 900 Turbo SPG holds a clear advantage in raw power with 185 hp compared to 33 hp, a 152-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Saab 900 Turbo uses a Inline-4 DOHC 16V Turbo B202 displacing 1,985 cc, while the Saab 93 relies on a Inline-3 Two-Stroke with 748 cc. The 1978 Saab 900 Turbo Classic 900 Turbo SPG claims a higher top speed at 137 mph compared to 75 mph. The Saab 93 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 959 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.