"SAAB 9-3, first generation At first glance the first generation of the 9-3 seems to be nothing more than a renamed NG900. While for the most part it is true, and many parts are interchangeable, the 9-3 was a highly improved version of the NG900. The factory says that over 1,100 changes were made to the 9-3. The most notable changes included changes to the suspension to improve the vehicle's road handling, improved crash worthiness, and standard side protection airbags and active headrests.  The 9-3 was offered with the same basic engines as the NG900, plus two new variants: am Opel-sourced 2.2 liter diesel for the European market, and a 2.3 liter turbocharged version with 235 hp that was used on the Viggen model. The 9-3 Viggen (""Thunderbolt"" in Swedish), named after the SAAB 37 Viggen attack fighter jet aircraft, was a high performance version of the 9-3. The car was capable of 0-60 acceleration in 6.4 seconds, and included a heavier clutch, stiffer and lower springs, firmer dampers, upgraded brakes, and stronger axle shafts to cope with the extra power. The car was visually distinguishable from the regular 9-3 by side different bumpers, rear wing, roof mounted radio antenna, sill extensions, exclusive colors and wheels, and a redesigned leather interior."
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