Which Saab Sonett Version Should You Buy?
The Saab Sonett choice depends first on body style and then, for the third generation, on engine output. The first generation was a Roadster produced from 1955 to 1957, while the second and third generations were Coupes produced from 1966 to 1969 and from 1970 to 1974.
The Saab Sonett choice depends first on body style and then, for the third generation, on engine output. The first generation was a Roadster produced from 1955 to 1957, while the second and third generations were Coupes produced from 1966 to 1969 and from 1970 to 1974. Only the third generation has detailed versions in this catalogue: 1.5 MT with 55 hp and 107 Nm, and 1.7 MT with 65 hp and 129 Nm. On the available figures, the 1.7 MT is the stronger choice because it adds 10 hp and 22 Nm while retaining the same basic transmission, drive, cylinder layout, fuel system, suspension, and front-brake specifications.
Saab Sonett generations: which one fits your search?
First-generation Saab Sonett: 1955–1957
The first-generation Saab Sonett was produced from 1955 to 1957 as a Roadster. The database lists no individual versions for this generation. Its engine specifications, horsepower, torque, gearbox, drive, performance, fuel consumption, dimensions, and weight are therefore not measured in the supplied data.
This generation is the relevant branch of the catalogue for someone whose priority is the Roadster body. It cannot be compared numerically with the later Coupes because no modification-level figures are available.
Second-generation Saab Sonett: 1966–1969
The second-generation Saab Sonett was produced from 1966 to 1969 as a Coupe. No individual versions are listed, so its engine specifications, horsepower, torque, transmission, drive type, acceleration, maximum speed, mpg-related consumption figures, dimensions, and weight are not measured.
Compared with the first generation, the recorded body type changed from Roadster to Coupe. Beyond that body-style distinction and their different production periods, the supplied data does not support a mechanical comparison.
Third-generation Saab Sonett: 1970–1974
The third-generation Saab Sonett was a Coupe produced from 1970 to 1974. It is the only generation with listed versions: 1.5 MT and 1.7 MT.
Both versions use Gasoline engines with 4 cylinders in a V-shaped layout, 2 valves per cylinder, No boost, and a Carburetor. Both also have a Manual gearbox with 4 gears and FWD. Their shared chassis entries include Independent, spring front suspension and Disc front brakes. The principal recorded differences are displacement, power, torque, and bore-and-stroke figures.
Saab Sonett engine and specs comparison
| Version | Displacement | Power | Torque | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Valves per cylinder | Boost | Fuel system | Gearbox | Gears | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 MT | 1,498 cc | 55 hp / 40 kW | 107 Nm | Gasoline | 4 | V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | Manual | 4 | FWD |
| 1.7 MT | 1,699 cc | 65 hp / 48 kW | 129 Nm | Gasoline | 4 | V-shaped | 2 | No | Carburetor | Manual | 4 | FWD |
The 1.7 MT has 201 cc more displacement than the 1.5 MT, an increase of approximately 13.4%. Output rises by 10 hp, or approximately 18.2%, while torque rises by 22 Nm, or approximately 20.6%. The power increase is therefore proportionally greater than the displacement increase, and the torque gain is greater again.
The 1.5 MT produces approximately 36.7 hp per litre and 71.4 Nm per litre. The 1.7 MT produces approximately 38.3 hp per litre and 75.9 Nm per litre. On both calculated measures, the 1.7 MT extracts more output from each litre of displacement.
In kW terms, the 1.7 MT has 48 kW against 40 kW for the 1.5 MT, a difference of 8 kW. The bore-and-stroke entry is 90 × 58.9 for the 1.5 MT and 90 × 66.8 for the 1.7 MT. Their first recorded dimension is identical, while the second increases by 7.9 in the database’s stated format.
Saab Sonett horsepower: is the 1.7 MT worth choosing?
If engine output is the deciding factor, the 1.7 MT is the clear choice. Its 65 hp exceeds the 1.5 MT figure of 55 hp, and its 129 Nm exceeds 107 Nm. That means the larger version provides approximately 1.18 times the horsepower and approximately 1.21 times the torque of the smaller version.
The 1.5 MT remains the lower-output option, but its supporting specifications closely match those of the 1.7 MT: Gasoline fuel, 4 V-shaped cylinders, 2 valves per cylinder, No boost, a Carburetor, a Manual gearbox with 4 gears, and FWD. Choosing the 1.5 MT therefore means accepting lower recorded power and torque without gaining a different transmission or drive configuration in the supplied data.
No purchase price, running-cost, parts-availability, reliability, or sale-listing information is provided. It is consequently impossible to calculate what the additional output of the 1.7 MT costs or whether either version offers better financial value.
Saab Sonett performance and mpg
For the 1.5 MT, acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured, maximum speed is not measured, city fuel consumption is not measured, highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured.
For the 1.7 MT, acceleration from 0–100 km/h is not measured, maximum speed is not measured, city fuel consumption is not measured, highway fuel consumption is not measured, and combined fuel consumption is not measured.
The extra 10 hp and 22 Nm of the 1.7 MT identify it as the more powerful engine, but those figures alone do not establish an acceleration time, top speed, or mpg advantage. No such performance or economy result can be inferred from the available data.
Saab Sonett dimensions and weight
For the third-generation 1.5 MT, kerb weight is not measured, gross weight is not measured, ground clearance is not measured, fuel-tank capacity is not measured, and wheel sizes are not measured.
For the third-generation 1.7 MT, kerb weight is not measured, gross weight is not measured, ground clearance is not measured, fuel-tank capacity is not measured, and wheel sizes are not measured.
Dimensions are also not measured for both versions. Because kerb weight is unavailable, weight per horsepower cannot be calculated for either the 1.5 MT or the 1.7 MT. The data therefore does not support claims that one version is lighter, more spacious, easier to place, or better in power-to-weight terms.
Which Saab Sonett version should you buy?
Choose the first generation if the Roadster body is the essential requirement, and choose the second generation if the 1966–1969 Coupe period is the priority. However, neither generation has detailed versions or mechanical figures in this catalogue, so a data-based engine comparison is not possible.
Among the fully specified third-generation versions, choose the 1.7 MT when power and torque matter most. Compared with the 1.5 MT, it provides:
- 201 cc more displacement
- 10 hp more power
- 8 kW more power
- 22 Nm more torque
- approximately 1.6 hp per litre more specific power
- approximately 4.5 Nm per litre more specific torque
Choose the 1.5 MT only if you specifically prefer its 1,498 cc engine or 55 hp output. The supplied specifications reveal no measured advantage for it in fuel consumption, acceleration, maximum speed, dimensions, or weight.
Overall, the 1.7 MT is the strongest evidence-based recommendation. It keeps the third generation’s recorded 4-cylinder V-shaped Gasoline engine format, Carburetor, Manual 4-gear transmission, FWD, Independent, spring front suspension, and Disc front brakes, while offering the highest listed power and torque. A final buying decision still requires vehicle-specific information absent from this catalogue, including condition, price, reliability, parts availability, and maintenance history.