Date: Thu, 05 Sep 2002 10:50:12 -0400 From: Rob Levandowski <roblnopsamhiz.com> Subject: Re: SAAB 9.5 V6 engine question....
In article <o7rcnu8hnq4v5mfuv8bdf2jj4e6f7oj6alnopsamcom>, FLOOD <nowaynopsamcom> wrote: > On Sunday evening, I was having a few glasses of wine, when I was > interrupted by the local Redneck contingent (simple, uneducated > people), and I was told that my SAAB 9000 Aero is simply a "GM" and > that the 1999 SAAB 9.5 engines are taken from the Buick Regal. Could > someone please provide clarification into the origins of the 9.5 V6 > engine? Is it a recommended powerplant? Any help would be greatly > appreciated. The core engine is a GM design, from Vauxhall (UK) I believe. However, like most any GM part that Saab uses, it's been modified extensively. For example, the Saab Trionic engine control system is lightyears ahead of what you'd find on a domestic GM car. You also don't generally find GM V6es with fly-by-wire throttle and an asymmetrical low-pressure turbocharger. Although many here will tell you that "real Saabs have 4 cylinders," I very much enjoyed my 1999 9-5 SE V6. When test driving, I found that the V6 had more power (compared with the base 4 cyl) and that it had smoother acceleration. The tradeoff was a bit more "heavy feeling" in the handling from the extra weight up front. Still, it was able to handle greatly inadvisable speeds on twisty back roads with aplomb. It was a reliable motor over three years, and it had quite reasonable fuel economy. I haven't driven an Aero, so I can't compare it to the high-output-turbo 4, but I certainly wouldn't dismiss the V6 for the base 4 cylinder out of hand. If you can't afford the Aero, don't like the HOT 4, or (in the case of the new models) have no desire of a brushed aluminum dashboard, I see no reason not to consider the V6. -- Rob Levandowski roblnopsamhiz.com (Opinions expressed are solely my own and not a statement from my employer)
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