Date: Tue, 26 May 1998 14:52:49 -0700 From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet> Subject: Re: Saab 9-3 Turbo
t salzer wrote: > > I am looking forward to an saab 9-3 2.0 Turbo (185 hp) > Does anyone have an experiance with this car or the engine (was in the 900 > before)? I actually test drove a '98 9-3 the other day on a whim. I was hoping to find a 9-5 manual, but the dealer didn't have any, and didn't know when they expected them, so I ended up in a 9-3... My impression... it's a damned refined car. The ride was very smooth, the engine barely, but pleasantly audible. I did not like the feel of the clutch, but it's certainly livable and something I could get used to. The engine a pretty powerful one at 185hp, but I did notice some really pronounced lag I was not comfortable with. Handling was solid, but not overly impressive, but I must say there was little or no torque steer, which really surprised me given the transverse layout of the drivetrain. I quite liked the car, but in all honesty I don't think I would personally feel comfortable dropping the $30k on a new one... it didn't feel special or much above average. Oh... and the wood veneer panelling on the SE model made me wanna puke. For comparison's sake, I have owned six classic 900s, the latest and greatest being a '90 SPG. The SPG, IMHO, feels a lot sportier, it's a lot louder, and looks a lot cooler. In fact, I'd say the 9-3 SE is the antithesis of the SPG - quiet, refined, and comfortable... -Justin