Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1998 18:25:34 +0100 From: Radek =?iso-8859-2?Q?Hul=E1n?= <totalnopsamnet.cz> Subject: Re: Saab 9-5 or Volvo S 80 ?
njahnopsamejanews.com wrote: > Funny, the 9-5 scored higher than the S80 in the recent NCAP > european safety tests. Up to now I did not see any official crash tests of S80. I would be glad if you can point me to an URL /maybe they are in members only area on NCAP??/. On http://www.whatcar.co.uk/themag/indexmag.htm are available tests of S40, 3-years old concept of Volvo mid-sized car which scored 4 (!) stars as the first car ever tested. Saab 9-5 received later on also 4 stars. Because S80 is vastly improved over S40, it is NOT a nonsense to presume that S80 will be even safer (= at least as safe as 9-5, but because of IC probably safer). There is also a question of ACTIVE safety, not tested by NCAP. S80 does have better traction IMO (high-speed DSTC and STC not implemented in 9-5), which is a key for active safety. I DID drive both cars and can compare them in real life. > > > more powerful engine, > Only on the higher models which to my mind compare badly against Audi A6 > etc. Audi A6 2.8 is as expensive as S80 T6, while being less spacious, less individualistic, etc., etc. Moreover, I do not like image of this car. > I don't think anyone on this NG shares your opinions, and I > would add that the vast majority of the auto press don't > either! I read some German and Swedish articles which compare S80 2.9 (!) with Audi A6 2.8, BMW 5xx, MB E320, 9-5, etc. Volvo was NOT in T6 configuration which they should compare (similar price to competitors, S80 2.9 is less expensive) and lost only about 4 points from 1000 total possible to the first car. Well, if they would compare T6, Volvo would win. Anyway, these test are ALWAYS subjective and I would not base my purchasing decision on any of them. Enjoy your (Saab) driving. Radek