2000 SAAB 9-3 weight

160 Starting and drivingDriving with a loadThe driving characteristics of the car are
affected by the way it is loaded.
 Place heavy loads as far forward and as
low as possible in the trunk.
 Secure the load to the tie downs, see
page 129.
 The load should be such that the car´s
total weight or axle weight are not
exceeded, see page 221.
 Heavy loads mean that the car’s center of
gravity is further back. As a result, the car
will sway more during evasive steering.
 Never exceed the permissible load in the
roof box, even if there is room for more.
 Ensure that the tire pressure is correct –
slight overinflation is preferable to under-
inflation.
 The braking distance of a loaded car is
always greater. Keep your distance from
the vehicle in front.
Tire pressure, see page 192 and back
cover.
Towing the carThe car is fitted with towing eyes at both
front and rear. For access to the front towing
eye, compress the grille (see illustration)
and pull it straight out.
If the car is equipped with a trailer hitch, this
can be used to tow another car.
Transporting the car
WARNING
 The towing vehicle should always be
heavier than the vehicle being towed.
 Never allow passengers to ride in the
car being towed.
 Remember that the brake servo does
not operate when the engine is off.
Much greater pressure than normal
will therefore be required to operate
the brake pedal.
 Nor does the steering pump operate
when the engine is off. The steering
will therefore be much heavier than
usual.
 Always seek professional help if the
car needs to be towed.
NOTEIf a car with sports (lowered) chassis is
transported, for example on a flat bed
truck, take extra care not to damage the
spoiler and/or underbody.
IB884
Front towing eye
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220 Technical dataGeneral particularsOverall length, with bumper(s):
Coupé/5-door/Convertible____________ 182.3" (4629 mm)
Viggen __________________________ 182.7” (4639 mm)
Overall width, including door mirrors _____ 76.2" (1936 mm)
Maximum height ____________________ 56.2" (1428 mm)
Maximum height when the soft top is being
operated (Convertible) ______________approx. 87"
approx. 2200 mm
Wheelbase ________________________ 102.6" (2605 mm)
Tr a c k :
front, Coupé/5-door/Convertible _______ 57.2" (1452 mm)
front, Viggen ______________________ 57.7” (1466 mm)
rear, Coupé/5-door/Convertible _______ 56.8" (1442 mm)
rear, Viggen ______________________ 57.3” (1456 mm)
Ground clearance at max. weight _______ approx. 3.9"
(100 mm)
Number of occupants, incl. driver:
Coupé and 5-door _________________ 5
Convertible _______________________ 4
Turning circle:
measured at vehicle extremities _______ 36.4 ft. (11.1 m)
curb to curb_______________________ 34.4 ft. (10.5 m)
Gross vehicle
weight (GVW)
Maximum train
weight
(GVW + max.
trailer weight)
Maximum axle
load, front
Maximum axle
load, rear Permissible load (in addition to the driver) = GVW minus curb weight.
The maximum permissible axle load, front or rear, must not be exceeded.
The precise curb weight of the vehicle (weight ready for driving + driver
á 154 lbs. (70 kg) and load capacity are specified in the vehicle registra-
tion documents.Chassis number plate in engine bay Length of the trunk:
rear seat raised, Coupé- and 5-door car 37.0" (940 mm)
rear seat lowered, Coupé- and 5-door car 67.2" (1705 mm)
Volume of trunk according to SAE:
with parcel shelf, Coupé- and 5-door car 15.9 cu.ft.
(451 dm
3)
whole rear seat tipped forward,
Coupé- and 5-door car _____________ 46.0 cu.ft.
(1303 dm3)
Convertible, soft top up _____________ 12.5 cu.ft.
(354 dm3)
Convertible, soft top down ___________ 10.1 cu.ft.
(285 dm3)
IB541
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221 Technical data
Weight ready for driving (i.e. with full fuel
tank, washer- fluid reservoir, standard
tools and spare wheel)
Coupé ___________________________ 2990-3170 lbs.
(1355-1440 kg)
Viggen, Coupé ____________________ 3090-3160 lbs.
(1405-1435 kg)
5-door ___________________________ 3030-3220 lbs.
(1375-1460 kg)
Viggen, 5-door ____________________ 3140-3210 lbs.
(1425-1455 kg)
Convertible _______________________ 3130-3260 lbs.
(1420-1480 kg)
Viggen, Convertible ________________ 3220-3230 lbs.
(1460-1465 kg)Gross vehicle weight (GVW)
Coupé ___________________________ 3930-4060 lbs.
(1785-1840 kg)
Viggen, Coupé ____________________ 4060 lbs. (1840 kg)
5-door __________________________ 3980-4100 lbs.
(1805-1860 kg)
Viggen, 5-door ____________________ 4100 lbs. (1860 kg)
Convertible ______________________ 3920-3990 lbs.
(1780-1810 kg)
Viggen, Convertible ________________ 3970 lbs. (1800 kg)
Maximum axle load
front ____________________________ 2300 lbs. (1045 kg)
rear ____________________________ 1930 lbs. (875 kg)
Weight distribution:
Curb weight, front/rear ______________ approx. 62/38 %
GVW, front/rear ___________________ approx. 58/42%
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222 Technical data Maximum permitted load in trunk
Coupé and 5-door at curb weight plus
4 passengers à 155 lbs. (70 kg) _______ 130 lbs.(60 kg)
For each passenger less in the rear seat the load may be
increased by 100 lbs. (45 kg)
Convertible at curb weight and
3 passengers à 155 lbs. (70 kg) _______ 120 lbs. (55 kg)
Coupé and 5-door at curb weight and
rear seat right down ________________ 475 lbs. (215 kg)
WARNING
 The GVW and maximum axle loads must not be exceeded.
Note that if some accessories (e.g. towbar, CD changer) are
fitted, the available load capacity is reduced by the weight of
these items.
 When goods are being transported their security is important,
especially if the car is being used with the rear seat down.
Max. permitted roof load ____________ 220 lbs. (100 kg)
Trailer weights:
Trailer with brakes _________________ Max. 2000 lbs.
(900 kg)
Trailer without brakes _______________ Max. 1000 lbs.
(450 kg)
Recommended towbar-ball load ______ 110-165 lbs.
(50-75 kg)
Maximum towing speed, trailer with
brakes __________________________ 62 mph (100 km/h)
The above max. weights and speed limit are those which Saab
Automobile AB permits. Note that the national rules may set lim-
its to permitted weights and speed; see also page 156.
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