1987 Saab 900 I (facelift 1987) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The Saab 900 I facelift model weighs 1200 kg (about 2,645 lbs) when empty, referred to as the curb weight. Its maximum allowed weight is 1790 kg (approximately 3,947 lbs), factoring in passengers, cargo, and fuel. This weight profile gives the car a sturdy, stable feel on the road, enhancing driving confidence and safety. Its moderate weight contributes positively to fuel efficiency and allows the engine to deliver responsive performance without being overly burdensome on the drivetrain. Additionally, the weight balance in the Saab 900 I aids its sporty handling characteristics popular among enthusiasts.

The Saab 900 I facelift offers a generous luggage capacity of 600 liters (approximately 21.2 cubic feet) under normal conditions, which is ample for everyday use, including groceries and luggage. When the rear seats are folded down, the cargo space expands significantly to 1600 liters (about 56.5 cubic feet). This versatility allows the Saab 900 I to accommodate much larger items or more luggage, making it particularly practical for longer trips or transporting bulky goods without sacrificing passenger comfort.

The Saab 900 I facelift is equipped with rims sized 15,6J x 15 and uses tire dimensions such as 185/65 TR15, 185/55 R15, 185/65 HR15, and 185/65 TR15. These tire sizes provide a balanced combination of ride comfort, grip, and durability. The 15-inch rims paired with tires of moderate profile help absorb road imperfections, delivering relatively smooth driving over diverse surfaces. Additionally, the tire width of 185 mm ensures adequate contact with the road, improving grip and cornering capabilities, which supports the car's reputation for sporty yet comfortable driving dynamics.

Yes, the Saab 900 I facelift's dimensions fit well within the typical residential garage space. With a length of 4680 mm (about 184.3 inches), width of 1690 mm (66.5 inches), and height of 1420 mm (55.9 inches), it fits comfortably in a standard single-car garage which generally measures around 3 meters wide and 6 meters deep (roughly 10 feet by 20 feet). This allows for easy parking, entry, and exit, as well as some extra room for storage or movement around the vehicle within the garage space.

Compared to the original Saab 900 I generation produced prior to 1987, the facelifted 1987 model maintained very similar external dimensions including length, width, and height, preserving the sedan’s classic silhouette. The main updates in the facelift focused on styling, interior refinements, and mechanical improvements rather than drastic changes to size or shape. Thus, passengers can expect nearly identical cabin space and luggage capacity as found in the earlier models, but with enhanced comfort and updated design cues that modernized the car’s overall presence while retaining its characteristic Saab identity.

The Saab 900 I facelift stands out as a mid-size sedan with dimensions that are competitive yet slightly unique compared to contemporaries like the BMW 3 Series E30 and Audi 80 of the late 1980s. At 4680 mm in length, the Saab is somewhat longer than many compact European sedans but not as large as full-size models. Its width of 1690 mm positions it well for both urban driving and highway stability. The luggage capacity, particularly with folded rear seats reaching 1600 liters, is superior to many rivals, making the Saab an appealing choice for buyers seeking sporty dynamics combined with practical load space.

While the exact internal cabin dimensions are not specified, the Saab 900 I facelift's exterior proportions translate into a comfortable interior suited for families and daily commuters. Its height of 1420 mm allows for adequate headroom, and the balanced width supports comfortable seating for up to five passengers. The ample luggage space of 600 liters and flexible rear seats promote practicality for transporting groceries, luggage, or school bags. Overall, the car is designed with ergonomics and comfort in mind, typical of Saab’s focus on driver and passenger wellbeing.

The Saab 900 I facelift exhibits moderate size dimensions that provide a blend of comfortable cabin space and manageable external size for effective maneuvering in city environments. Its width of 1690 mm and length just under 4.7 meters make it easier to navigate through traffic and fit into typical parking spaces seen in urban areas. Furthermore, the relatively narrow track and moderate dimensions ensure the car feels agile without being cumbersome, allowing drivers more confidence when parallel parking or handling tighter corners.

The 1987 facelift of the Saab 900 I brought several enhancements beyond just aesthetics, including improved build quality and safety features. Saab has long been praised for its commitment to occupant protection, and this facelift further solidified its safety reputation with upgrades like reinforced body structures and enhanced crash protection. While fundamental vehicle size remained consistent, structural reinforcements coupled with improvements in suspension and brakes contributed to better crash safety and driving stability, helping the car meet increasing safety standards of the late 1980s and early 1990s.