Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1999 22:52:10 +0000 From: bill mitchell <billnopsamm.demon.co.uk> Subject: Full Turbo vs Light Turbo
I'm thinking of trading in my excellent, though underpowered, 1998 2.0S 900 for a new 9-3SE. I'd set my sights on the 185hp full turbo, but my dealer reckons I'd be just as well off with the 154hp "light turbo". Obviously, I'll test- drive both - but I'd be interested in any opinions as to how the two compare. My main requirements are for easier overtaking of slow and not so slow traffic on our winding and hilly (but great fun) UK roads, and punchier take off from rest - without making it seem like hard work to my passengers. On a related topic, in the UK we keep getting told by the Media that we're being ripped of by the car makers - all of them, not just SAAB. I don't like being ripped off (something to do with being Scottish) so price comparisons from elsewhere in the world would be jolly interesting and could well influence my decision... Here the 185hp 9-3SE 2.0T (5-door) is listed at UK £18482 basic price ($29811 US, I believe.). Taxes and delivery take the "on-the-road" price to £22395 ($36123 US). I can't blame SAAB for the taxes, but see no reason why the pre-tax price should vary much. All comments and opinions welcome. Bill Mitchell Check out or web pages - http://www.gjnem.demon.co.uk