Date: Mon, 07 Feb 2000 15:24:32 GMT From: Gavin Haslett <thumper_svxnopsamo.com> Subject: Re: relative performance of 9-3 engines
My opinion... is that 200+bhp in a FWD car is nice... but only if you know how to control it! The Viggen is a nice car... and I drove one the other day... but it's probably a bit more than I would ever truly want out of a relatively small FWD'er like the 9-3. Having also driven a standard turbo 9-3 and HOT 9-3, I have to say that yes, the difference is definitely noticeable. Less so in automatic versions of both cars, but obvious in manual shift versions. To be honest, when I eventually get rid of my beleagured 900 and buy a 9-3 I'll probably go with the standard turbo version because (a) my fiance (my wife in three weeks!) is the one who drives the car and she doesn't NEED 200+hp, and (b) significantly cheaper... oh, and (c) much more in-line with the 900 I currently own... so nothing new to get used to. For a FWD car, the torque steer really isn't half bad... even on the Viggen... but again I feel it's more car than I'll ever need. Sure I have a Pontiac GTP as well (which has 240hp and 280lb/ft of torque in a FWD configuration), but that's a 500lb heavier and bigger car... and yes, torque-steer is pronounced with TCS off. 17" wheels? Now there's something I probably won't do either. The bigger the wheels in a relatively small car like the 9-3, the lower-profile your tires are. Your ride suffers because of it... and should you happen to nail a pothole or curb, the chances for damage to the rim increase significantly. If you plan on raising the car an inch or so and putting new fenders on, then you can put as high-profile tires as you like on there... but it's going to look ridiculous on a Saab :) I do a lot of miles in my cars. If you're a performance nut who likes throwing your car around twisty roads, go with 17" wheels if you wish. If you want a soft and cushy car, go with 15" wheels. Me? I'll go the middle-road and get 16" wheels with roughly the same profile (50-series) tires as my 900 runs. That gives me a good balance. Sure, I like twisty-driving too... but with the number of highway miles I put on all my cars, ride is important. Just my 2c worth :) -- Gavin Haslett thumper_svxnopsamo.com "The early bird gets the worm... But the second mouse gets the cheese!"
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