That car now has 850hp or something and was actually on a 2.0L..but now they use the new 9-3 instead, starting fresh. Another 2.0
Thats the brilliant thing about Saab/Scandanavian/Swedish auto philosophy..the power comes on LOW.
They're actually not particularly good drag cars, a lot of it is because no LSD and FWD, also because they are boost limited in 1st and 2nd to keep traction..plus traction control.
My Viggen, with 230hp 2.3 HOT(High Output Turbo) gets I think 258 lb/ft from aroudn 2000ish up to the 5K range..don't quote me and if anybody checks, the 2000 has a little more motor than the 1999. Power is full throughout most of the range too. 0-60 at 6.4 isn't too impressive, but from a roll I can take a couple local ZXTT's and hold with 350Z's/STi's. 2nd gear is tons of fun but is limited to like 200 hp or a little less I think. still break em loose in second every time though.. August=Saab Owner's Convention in Detroit=tuning=320whp vs 230whp(stick)=bye!!
Not bragging, just going on about it because its my all time fav car, and the only one ahead of 240Z. I talk about my Z on occasion on the Saab forums, too. Can't wait for the RB Z we are going to do..!!!
Short Answer:No, Saabs aren't much of a drag car, better from a roll. And No, they are not high-revvers like Hondas, they cary their power from very low R's through the range.