The B+ does not leap off the page as being hugely better on paper but I think in practice it will shine compared to the A model. The A is a workhorse but is hamstrung by the ITT limits agreed upon by GE and NSN to reduce the cost of engine maintenance. The B+ should give much better icing performance if nothing else however the engines are even more prone to stalling than the 5 A2. on paper the differences are as follows:
340A: GE CT7 5A2 1735 SHP
MTOW 28,000 lbs
Max cruise 271 Kts
340 B+ GE CT7 9B 1870 SHP
MTOW 29,000 lbs
Max cruise 283 kts
the B+ also has electronic noise cancelling for the cabin dwellers.
figures courtesy of
www.saabaircraftleasing.com