Utility
The Saab 9-3's bigger trunk will accommodate more big things than the Porsche Boxster.
The Saab 9-3 will most definitely prove friendlier than the Porsche Boxster for those of you with frequent kid-cargo.
Performance
As far as horsepower, the Porsche Boxster packs quite a wallop and will knock the Saab 9-3 down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums.
With its very low horsepower-to-weight ratio, the Boxster will knock you back into your seat when you hit the gas pedal.
Dimensions
The Saab 9-3 is quite a bit heavier than the Boxster.
The Saab 9-3's tank is roughly the same size as the Porsche's, though the Porsche Boxster's is slightly bigger.
The Porsche Boxster and the Saab 9-3 compete for the same parking spaces.
The Porsche Boxster's shorter wheelbase may produce a less-settled highway ride but a more agile feel in daily traffic than the Saab 9-3.
Convenience
The Boxster's fuel tank will need to be replenished a little more often than the unit in the Saab 9-3.
You'll likely take the Porsche Boxster for a fill-up roughly as often as the Saab.
Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. It costs about the same to get the 9-3 to the dealership as the Boxster.
Producing a precise gas mileage evaluation is so tricky that some think not even the federal government can do it, but it looks as though both the 9-3 and the 9-3 perform about similarly with respect to gas mileage.
The Porsche Boxster won't tax your gas budget significantly more than the Saab 9-3 will.
The Saab 9-3 won't save you much money at the pump compared to the Porsche Boxster.
The 9-3 is substantially less expensive than the Porsche Boxster with respect to MSRP.
The Saab 9-3 is markedly less expensive than the Porsche Boxster as far as purchase price.
Handling
The Boxster's rear-wheel drive layout likely gives it better dry traction than the Saab 9-3; on the flip side, the Saab 9-3's front-wheel drive layout likely provides better traction in rain, snow or ice.
The Porsche Boxster has markedly bigger tires than the Saab 9-3. Keep in mind that bigger tires might look and feel better, while smaller tires could improve gas mileage.
With their similar turning radiuses, the Saab 9-3 and the Porsche Boxster most definitely handle roughly the same into and out of tight spots.
Drivetrain
The Porsche's engine is tremendously larger than the 9-3's. Note that more sizeable engines may use more gasoline than smaller ones.
Torque is roughly equivalent to acceleration, and in this respect, the Porsche is considerably more powerful than the Saab 9-3.
Comfort
While the front cabin in the Porsche Boxster offers a bit more head room than the Saab 9-3, there really isn't much of a difference.
Overview
The Saab 9-3 and the Porsche Boxster have the same basic warranty.
