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Date: Sat, 27 Aug 2005 22:15:39 GMT
From: Icarus Q. Anybody <zinspacenospamo.com>
Subject: Re: slightly smaller wheels for a Saab 9-3?


On Sat, 27 Aug 2005 20:59:07 +0100, "Charles C." <c.k.christacopoulos_removeme_nospamee.ac.uk> wrote: >Icarus Q. Anybody wrote: >> I need new tires for my 1999 9-3 5-door coupe. I drive the car >> gently, but I like a sporty feel for exit ramps/sharp curves, etc. >> I'd like more low-end torque - the car feels a bit slow to get going >> (automatic transmission). Would it be a bad idea for me to switch >> from 195/60r15s to 195/55r15s as a way of getting a sportier ride with >> tires that are slightly easier to turn and lighter? This way I >> wouldn't have to go to larger wheels or upgrade my breaks. Should I >> be concerned that the smaller tires have a lower load rating (85) than >> the OEM tires (87)? >> >> I'm assuming that the smaller tires would only make things easier on >> the transmission and suspension - not throw it all out of whack. I'm >> also guessing that any decrease in gas milage while cruising at >> highway speeds (due to higher tire-rpms) would be offeset by having an >> easier time in stop-and-go traffic (I live in New York City). >> >> I am obsessing over nothing? I know the difference in total diameter >> is only about .75 inches (2cm). Or will I end up squealing all over >> the nighborhood and become know as the guy with the skimpy tires? >> >> TIA >> >> -Chris > >Hi, > >I would leave it as is. When I drove a new 9-3 automatic I found it >very lethargic compared to my 9000 (both 2.0l LPT). However, I felt the >automatic was very much geared for city driving, smoothness AND for fuel >economy. If I wanted it to perform faster I had to really press my foot >to the floor most of the time. > >Does your auto box have a sport mode? Have you tried using it? > >Regards >Charles Automatics are definitely lame. I sold a manual Honda and got this 9-3 because my girlfriend couldn't drive a manual (barely drives an automatic). She also felt like the Honda was a tin can contending with all the SUVs on the road here in NY. I want her to drive more so I don't have to drive everywhere all the time. I'm just not used to the sluggish starts from stop lights I guess (though it's fun to be able to keep up with 80 mph traffic for a change). I tried sport mode and honestly couldn't tell any difference. -Chris

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