Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2002 08:41:53 GMT From: Marc Escuro <mgescuronopsami.com> Subject: Re: Test Drove a 9-5 Aero
Well, personally, I test drove the 9-5 Aero against the Audi A6, BMW 530i, Jaguar S-Type, Cadillac Catera, Mercedes E-Class, Lincoln LS. (It took a year to settle on the 9-5.) - Catera didn't have near the amount of sophistication I wanted. (The new CTS is another story though.) - Mercedes E-Class reminded me of a car my dad should be driving (I'm 26.) And I can't afford the E55. - Lincoln LS was not as refined as I'd thought. Bland design and didn't have the pep I had expected. Also not as roomy as it looks. - Jaguar S-Type was more refined than it's sister, the LS. And it felt more cramped than the LS (if that's possible) and cost $15K more. So that left me with the Saab, the Audi, and the BMW. - The 530i was in my price bracket, but for all the additional options I'd need to order, just to get what was already standard on the 9-5 Aero, I balked. And you're right, it doesn't give you the kick in the pants that the Aero does. I guess you'd need to go to the 540i or the M5 to get that. Sorry, but I'm not ready to shell out $65-80K for a car just yet. There was also the fact that everyone and their mother has a Bimmer in San Francisco. I want a car that will "fit-in" in San Francisco's glitzy areas, but I want to be unique. - Audi was the next best thing. Everyone has an A4 in San Francisco, but the A6 is much more rare. It handles great. The feel is wonderful. I'm a big guy, and I found the arm rest (among other things) awkward in the Audi. The equipment in the Audi all but matches the Saab -- give or take a few things. The Saab, gives you the most bang for the buck. Especially now that the 2002 9-5 Aero actually now gives the BMW 540i a run for it's money -- especially with the stability options, the higher power engine, and a whole host of other refinements. I guess it is a taste thing. I just wanted to be unique. And believe me, heads turn when people see my car.... Even my friends who bought a 530i, and S-Type 4.0, and a A4. Heh heh heh .... On 2/5/02 3:07 PM, in article 20020205180720.26992.00001189nopsamd.aol.com, "JMEL5" <jmel5nopsamcomnospam> wrote: > Well, I liked the Saab better overall, but, for his own tastes, he liked the > BMW better. I can't blame him really, it was an outstanding car and the Saab > really seemed to be lacking in comparison. Matter of tastes and money I guess. > > JJ > >> >> so why is he getting the BMW??? >> >> >> "JMEL5" <jmel5nopsamcomnospam> wrote in message >> news:20020203231245.03504.00001104nopsamr.aol.com... >>> I had the chance to test drive a 9-5 Aero (US) the other day, and I >> thought >>> that I would post my thoughts on that drive. At first I was a bit lukewarm >> on >>> the car until I got to a highway ramp and really put the car through the >> paces >>> and in third gear I was pinned in my seat by the sheer force of the >>> acceleration, though I did have to deal with a ton of torque steer. By the >> time >>> I hit the highway, I was at about 75 or so and the car was incredibly >> stable at >>> speed and I didn't even realize how fast I was going. It was a very, very >>> smooth ride. My only problems with the car were that the shifter seemed a >> bit >>> rubbery and the brake and accelerator pedal were quite close together and >> my >>> foot kept hitting the brake when I lifted off of the gas. >>> >>> After that test I tested a BMW 530. That was an amazingly solid car with >> super >>> handling, but, I never got that kick in the pants that I got from the >> Aero, and >>> the car always felt to be going faster than it actually was. I think that >>> overall the BMW was a more luxurious car, but when you factor in such >> things as >>> that here in the states you will almost never get a deal on a BMW due to >> supply >>> and demand, I think that I would go for the Saab. The choice unfortunately >>> isn't mine to make as I was just helping a friend out who is choosing >> between >>> the two cars. He is going to go for the BMW, and I guess I can't blame >> him. >>> >>> This test drive really strengthened my desire for a 9-3 Viggen (US) as I >> sat in >>> a few of those at the dealer and loved the dash layout, and the seats were >> some >>> of the most comfortable and supportive that I ever sat in. Now I know why >>> people love Saabs so dearly. >>> >>> JJ >> >> >> >> >> >> >> >> > > -- Marc Escuro mgescuronopsami.com mgescuronopsamnet
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