Date: Sat, 02 Oct 1999 21:37:24 -0400 From: Four Weis <mweinopsamcom> Subject: Re: Saab 9-5 wagon vs. V70 Volvo
Having the chance to review all the previous msgs in the thread, here is my two cents: I drive a Saab and a Volvo. To make the comparison even more interesting, the Volvo is a rear wheel drive model. I will have to rate the Volvo as far more reliable and cheaper to fix than the Saab. Primarily because it is rear wheel drive and it doesn't have those #%#% CV joints with their boots. The old tried and true front engine/manual transmision/rear wheel drive design, at least in my experience, is much more rugged and reliable. So, this can start the debate as to which is better, front wheel or rear wheel drive. I like the way I can drive the Saab on back country roads. But, as other postings have stated, when it comes to a long trip on the highways, I take the Volvo. The factory seats in the Volvo are much more confortable than the Saab, for me at least. The major plus is that I know I can get service for my Volvo much easier than the Saab, even locally. I recently test drove the V70, but did not buy it. I thought it was over-priced. Plus it is front wheel drive, which makes it no better than the Saab, in terms of reliability. The only thing that will convince me to buy a new Volvo is the greater number of dealers and shops. To summarize, I prefer the Saab on short fun drives on roads with lots of curves, but I will take the Volvo on long road trips down the highways. If I had to buy a new car, I would take the Saab. Fortunately I do not have to make that decision, as both my 14 year old Saab and 18 year old Volvo are running just fine. William Rector wrote: > I am in the market for a new wagon and was recently told by a neighbor > that Saab introduced one this year. I currently have an '86 Volvo > 740GLE wagon and have been very pleased with it (170K and climbing) > although I have had some transmission problems. I went to look at the > Saab today and must admit that it looks very good. I don't know much > about the Saabs and am curious what kind of reliability they have. I > know several people who have gotten 150K + miles out of them, but I > don't know if they are always fixing them?? How do they compare with > the Volvos? Price seems to be very comparable. Looks like both cars > are very safe and well appointed. I would give Saab the nod concerning > luxury. > > Any comments would be greatly appreciated. > > Thanks, > Bill