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Date: Mon, 06 Jul 1998 15:22:13 -0700
From: Justin VanAbrahams <jvanabranopsamnet>
Subject: Re: 9-5 engine choices--confused, need info


dkuipersnopsamejanews.com wrote: > > Hello all-- > > 1. I just test drove a base 9-5 sedan today with the LPT 4, leather and > sunroof options, auto transmission. I'm impressed! I've narrowed my choices > to the new '99 BMW 328, the Volvo S70 T-5, and the Saab. Frankly, I like the > exterior styling of the Saab, a lot, and am leaning in that direction. But I > am at a complete loss for engine comparisons between the base and SE. The > dealer tells me the V6 is due in August, so I can't compare it to the LPT 4 > I just drove. First off, I'd rule out the BMW - not because it's a bad car, but because it's a LOT smaller than the S70 or 9-5... unless you want a smaller car.. :) > What are the specs on the two engines? I noticed that the LPT 4 torques up > quickly at low RPMs, so it seemed deceptively fast. I kept the A/T in "sport" > mode, so shifts were delayed some; that probably helped. Given this, will > there be any noticeably better performance with the V6, at least as far as > the stoplight Olympics go? I'm guessing that the V6 will show its luster the > most in top gear for high-speed cruising. I don't know torque offhand, but the LPT4 makes 170hp and the LPT6 makes 200hp. The LPT4 also makes less torque - I'm guessing by about 30 lb ft. The four will likely offer better fuel economy and slightly slower pickup, but from all accounts it's not *much* slower, and in fact tends to be a little peakier than the four, which is somewhat odd. Also, the six tends to be smoother at idle than the four... Quite frankly, I don't think you'll be disappointed with the LPT4.... and it probably isn't worth waiting for the six, especially 'cause the reason it isn't out yet is because they decided to do some further reliability testing.. I wouldn't wanna be one of the first ones with a brand-new engine! ;) > 2. The problem as I see it with Saab's packaging is that, even if for all > practical purposes the LPT 4 is similar to the V6, Saab has put several > desirable features (to me at least) in the V6 only, not available as an > option with the base 9-5. In particular, traction control, the Harmon Kardon > stereo, power antenna, rear spoiler and aero kit effects, rear wiper, memory > settings for driver seats and exterior mirrors, panic alarm, fatter tires, > chrome rims; I think that's an exhaustive list. Probably a beefed-up > suspension and a performance axle ratio too, if I had to guess. This almost > forces one to go with the SE even though a selectively-optioned base car > would be the optimal choice. Do you see it the same way? The LPT4 *is* available in "SE" trim which comes fully loaded... I don't know about the stereo (save your money - the HK system isn't that great) but everything else should be available. If not, talk to Accelerated Response or Abbott Racing and they'll be happy to set you up. In fact, as far as I know there are no differences between the LPT4 and the LPT6, at least not in America.. .go look at http://www.saabusa.com to be sure... > 3. Am I correct in assuming that warranty work, should some arise, can only > be performed at the Saab dealership? Or given Saab's affiliation with GM, can > work be done at GM garages? Just Saab... > 4. The one negative with my dealership experience is that I did not get a > good feeling that they were willing to work with me to get a good deal on the > car. The dealer also does Porsche, so that probably explains some of that; > they just laugh when someone even hints about a discount to full sticker on a > Boxster. I seriously doubt you'll be able to much dealing on a 9-5... They are dirt cheap... under $40k fully loaded. Try getting a BMW 5-series with similar performance and options for under $40k... The 9-5 is very aggressively priced, and I don't think dealers have all that much room to wiggle... > -Justin

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