Would like a once-only chip in:-
The cam shaft profiles on 8v give higher lift. Result is more torque low down, lower rev limit ( valve chatter due to valve springs being compressed more due to higher lift cam ) and slightly more erratic idle.
The cam shaft profiles on 16v give lower lift. Result is more torque higher up, higher rev limit ( less valve chatter due to valve springs being compressed less due to lower lift cam ) and smoother idle.
Yes 16v will breathe better because - simply - there are twice as many holes in the head! But it doesn't necessarily mean more power.
I own both, you can tell the 8v has more torque because it picks up superb from 20mph in 5th gear whereas the 16v struggles a little.
For performance, the 16v will beat the 8v but not by as much as you would like to think. You would need to change gear in an 8v around 5000 whereas in a 16v it would be 6000. Yes, the 16v would beat the 8v easily if both versions changed gear at, say, 6000. Yes, the difference would be marginal if both cars changed gear at 4500.
For town driving, I prefer the 8v less gear change and more forgiving.
For motorway, I prefer the 8v better 50-70 in same gear.
For rain/snow, I prefer the 16v better & progressive control over power.
For bendy country lanes, I prefer the 16v driving between 4000-6000 revs longer legs on 3rd gear with late braking.
For hill climbs, I prefer the 16v. You definitely notice the difference between the 2 models!!
BTW I rally Saabs as a hobby. Essentially what I'm driving at is that the 2 models come into their own in certain driving conditions N/M.
