1987 Saab 900 I Cabriolet Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the Saab 900 I Cabriolet ranges from 1190 kg to 1370 kg (approximately 2623 to 3020 pounds), depending on the specific model and equipment levels. The maximum permissible weight of the car lies between 1640 kg and 1740 kg (around 3616 to 3836 pounds). The curb weight represents the vehicle’s weight with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables, and a full tank of fuel but without passengers or cargo. The maximum weight indicates the total allowed mass including passengers, cargo, and additional gear. This range reflects the car's balance between lightweight construction for agile handling and robust build quality to ensure safety and durability.

The Saab 900 I Cabriolet offers a luggage capacity of 650 liters (about 22.9 cubic feet) with the rear seats in use, which is quite spacious for a convertible. When the rear seats are folded down, the luggage capacity increases dramatically to 1500 liters (approximately 53 cubic feet). This makes the car quite versatile, especially for carrying larger or bulkier items despite being a cabriolet. The ability to fold the rear seats enhances practicality, allowing owners to switch between passenger space and cargo volume depending on their needs, making it suitable for weekend trips or everyday use.

Yes, the Saab 900 I Cabriolet fits comfortably into a standard garage. Typical garage dimensions in many regions are around 2.4 meters (8 feet) wide and 5.5 to 6 meters (18 to 20 feet) deep. With a width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches) and a length of 4680 mm (184.3 inches), the car easily fits within these boundaries, providing enough clearance for door opening and movement around the vehicle. Its height of 1420 mm (55.9 inches) also poses no issues with typical garage door heights. This makes the Saab 900 I Cabriolet practical for everyday use in residential environments without requiring specialized parking accommodations.

The Saab 900 I Cabriolet is based on the first-generation Saab 900 platform. Compared to the early Saab 900 hatchbacks and sedans (produced in the late 1970s and early 1980s), the cabriolet maintained similar exterior dimensions but focused more on weight management to optimize performance. While the length remained close to about 4.68 meters (184.3 inches), the cabriolet’s curb weight varied slightly higher due to the structural reinforcements necessary for convertible stability—ranging from 1190 to 1370 kg compared to some lighter earlier non-cabriolet counterparts. The luggage capacity remained competitive, but the open-top design naturally reduced some interior rigidity and storage options relative to the hardtop predecessor. The cabriolet provided an evolutionary jump by integrating open-air driving without significant compromise to size.

When compared with other convertible models from the late 1980s and early 1990s, the Saab 900 I Cabriolet sits in the mid-to-large size category. For instance, it is longer and generally heavier than compact cabrios like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which is about 3.97 meters (156 inches) long, but it is smaller than luxury convertibles such as the Mercedes-Benz SL (R129), which measures over 4.5 meters in length. The Saab’s luggage capacity is notably generous for a convertible, especially with rear seats folded, surpassing many contemporaries in practicality. Its width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches) strikes a good balance between stable road manners and urban usability. Overall, the Saab 900 I Cabriolet offers a unique blend of style, roominess, and comfort that distinguished it from typical sporty or luxury roadsters of its time.

The Saab 900 I Cabriolet typically comes equipped with 15-inch rims, which was a common size for sporty and premium cars of its era. The tire sizes compatible with these rims include 185/65 TR15, 185/60 TR15, and 185/65 R15. These tire dimensions contribute to a balanced combination of ride comfort, handling precision, and grip. The tire width of 185 mm (approximately 7.3 inches) offers sufficient traction without sacrificing fuel economy or ride quality. The rim and tire setup complements the vehicle's suspension and chassis dynamics, ensuring a smooth, controlled driving experience typical of Saab’s focus on driver and passenger comfort.

The Saab 900 I Cabriolet was designed to comfortably accommodate four occupants, with a focus on both driver and passenger comfort during open-air driving. The cabin design took advantage of the car’s length and width to provide ample legroom and shoulder room in the front seats, although rear seats were somewhat tighter as typical with convertibles. With the roof down, the cabriolet offers an airy, open atmosphere without significant noise intrusion thanks to good insulation when the top is raised. The practical luggage capacity, especially with rear seats folded, added versatility. Overall, the interior space was competitive with other premium convertibles of the time, providing a satisfying mix of comfort and practical usability.

The Saab 900 I Cabriolet distinguishes itself primarily through its convertible design, which required additional structural reinforcements to compensate for the absence of a fixed roof, enhancing chassis rigidity and safety. This design necessitated unique engineering solutions to maintain Saab’s trademark solidity and driving dynamics. Performance-wise, it shared many engine options with the coupe and sedan, including turbocharged variants that delivered strong power and torque for spirited driving. The cabriolet also featured bespoke styling cues such as a power-operated soft top, unique trim details, and often premium interior appointments, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking open-air motoring combined with Scandinavian engineering and reliability.

Absolutely, the Saab 900 I Cabriolet can serve as a practical everyday car, especially for drivers who value open-air experiences without sacrificing daily usability. Its moderate dimensions mean it is easy to maneuver and park in typical urban and suburban environments. The generous luggage capacity, with rear seats folded, supports practical errands or weekend trips. Its robust construction and engineering contribute to reliability, and the optional turbocharged engines provide good power for highway driving and overtaking. Weather protection with the retractable soft top is user-friendly, although it’s advisable to maintain it properly to ensure longevity. Overall, it strikes a strong balance between convertible fun and real-world utility.