At the moment (Dec 09) the 9-3X is available with a 2.0T (petrol/gasoline) and XWD, or a 1.9TTiD (diesel) and FWD, which makes no sense. We in Europe dearly hope that the marvellous 1.9TTiD (180bhp) will be paired with Haldex torque vectoring AWD, or XWD is Saab speak, early in the next decade.
Here's a professional view on the differences between the two also.
For now I'll focus on the XC70 3.2, which comes closest in power and torque terms (using UK figures).
Saab 9-3x
Engine 1998cc, four cylinders
Power 207bhp @ 5300rpm
Torque 221 lb ft @ 2500rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Acceleration 0-60mph: 8.2sec
Top speed 143mph
Fuel 34.9mpg (combined cycle)
CO2 194g/km
Road tax band J (£215 for a year)
Price £25,995
On sale Now
Volvo XC70 3.2 AWD
Model Volvo XC70 SE Sport
Engine 3192cc, six cylinders
Power 235bhp @ 6200rpm
Torque 236 lb ft @ 3200rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual
Fuel 24.8mpg (combined cycle)
CO2 272g/km
Acceleration 0-60mph: 8.1sec
Top speed 134mph
Price £35,700
From this we see that these two cars are in quite different market segments in terms of price (UK prices quoted) and fuel efficiency, pointing to the size differences evident - 6 inches in length and 100lb in weight.
Volvo
Length (in): 190.5
Wheelbase (in): 110.8
Width (in): 73.3
Height (in): 63.1
Curb weight (lb): 3307
Saab
Length (in): 184.6
Wheelbase (in): 105.3
Width (in): 70.9
Height (in): 60.2
Curb weight (lb): 3210
Competition: Audi A4 allroad, Subaru Legacy Outback and Skoda Scout.
