The Saab 900 I Cabriolet 2.0 i 16V Turbo, produced between 1986 and 1993, represents a distinctive chapter in Saab’s history. As the convertible iteration of the iconic 900 series, it offered a blend of Scandinavian design, turbocharged performance, and open-air driving enjoyment. While Saab was a relatively small manufacturer, primarily serving the European market, the 900 gained a dedicated following for its unique engineering and driver-focused experience. The Cabriolet specifically aimed to capitalize on the growing popularity of open-top motoring, providing a stylish and practical alternative to more mainstream convertibles.
The Saab 900 I Cabriolet: A Legacy of Innovation
The original Saab 900, launched in 1978, was a significant departure from conventional automotive design. It prioritized aerodynamics, safety, and driver comfort. The Cabriolet version, arriving in 1986, extended this philosophy to the realm of open-top motoring. It wasn’t Saab’s first foray into convertibles – that honor belongs to the Sonett – but it was the first mass-produced open-top Saab, and it quickly became a popular model, particularly in Europe. The 2.0 i 16V Turbo variant, with its 175 horsepower engine, represented a performance-oriented option within the Cabriolet range, appealing to drivers seeking a more engaging experience.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Saab 900 I Cabriolet 2.0 i 16V Turbo is its 1985 cc (121.13 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine, designated the B202, features a turbocharger and multi-port fuel injection, allowing it to produce 175 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 273 Nm (201.35 lb.-ft.) of torque at 2800 rpm. This output translates to a power-to-weight ratio of 7.8 kg/Hp and a torque-to-weight ratio of 5 kg/Nm. The engine’s transverse front-wheel-drive layout contributes to its balanced handling characteristics. Performance figures include a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 8.7 seconds and a 0-60 mph time of 8.3 seconds, with a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph). Fuel economy is rated at 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) combined, with 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) in urban conditions and 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) on the open road.
Design & Features
The Saab 900 I Cabriolet is instantly recognizable by its distinctive styling. The two-door, four-seat Cabriolet body style offers open-air driving with a manually operated soft top. The design emphasizes aerodynamic efficiency, a hallmark of Saab’s engineering philosophy. The interior is functional and driver-focused, with comfortable seating and a well-laid-out dashboard. Safety features, while limited by the standards of the era, included an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which was a relatively advanced feature for the time. The trunk offers a generous amount of space, ranging from 650 liters (22.95 cu. ft.) with the top up to 1500 liters (52.97 cu. ft.) with the top down. The car’s dimensions are 4680 mm (184.25 in.) in length, 1690 mm (66.54 in.) in width, and 1420 mm (55.91 in.) in height, with a wheelbase of 2515 mm (99.02 in.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Saab |
| Model | 900 |
| Generation | 900 I Cabriolet |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 i 16V Turbo (175 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1986 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Cabriolet |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 11.2 l/100 km (21 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.8 l/100 km (34.6 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km (23.1 US mpg) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 8.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5 kg/Nm |
| Power | 175 Hp @ 5500 rpm |
| Torque | 273 Nm @ 2800 rpm (201.35 lb.-ft. @ 2800 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | B202 |
| Engine displacement | 1985 cm3 (121.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 90 mm (3.54 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 78 mm (3.07 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 10 l (10.57 US qt | 8.8 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1370 kg (3020.33 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1740 kg (3836.04 lbs.) |
| Max load | 370 kg (815.71 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 650 l (22.95 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1500 l (52.97 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 63 l (16.64 US gal | 13.86 UK gal) |
| Length | 4680 mm (184.25 in.) |
| Width | 1690 mm (66.54 in.) |
| Height | 1420 mm (55.91 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2515 mm (99.02 in.) |
| Front track | 1430 mm (56.3 in.) |
| Rear track | 1440 mm (56.69 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/60 TR15 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
The Saab 900 I Cabriolet 2.0 i 16V Turbo remains a sought-after classic, appreciated for its unique character, robust engineering, and enjoyable driving experience. It represents a high point in Saab’s history, embodying the brand’s commitment to innovation and driver satisfaction.
