Saab 9-3 vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Saab 9-3
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
2.0L 4cyl Turbo Petrol 91RON
—
9.7 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
258L
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
Saab 9-3: we're still completing price, length, width, height and wheelbase, plus 7 others.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
Detailed powertrain specifications are not yet available for both models.
Space & Comfort
Boot space is 258L in the Saab 9-3 and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Saab 9-3 a 128L advantage. The Saab 9-3 seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.2 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $2,765/year for the Saab 9-3 and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $827 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Saab 9-3) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Saab 9-3 if: You need more boot space, or prefer Saab's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 2 of 3 key spec categories. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $827 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Saab 9-3 has a clear edge. The Mazda MX-5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Saab 9-3 and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Saab 9-3 and Mazda MX-5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Saab 9-3 has the largest boot at 258L.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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