1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Like Richard, I've always enjoyed, but not always agreed with, Car & Driver. I've been a subscriber for many years. And I'm a bit miffed that I haven't received my January 2001 issue in the mail yet! The BMW 3 Series is a fine car. While I've sometimes felt C&D has been biased towards BMW, in this case, I don't doubt that the Bimmer is the best choice when using the criteria C&D uses. That is, when testing models classified as "sport sedans", they consider all out sport handling to be of prime importance. Not foul weather performance or which has the most versilility, or which has the most "character", or which represents the best value for an "as delivered" purchace price. They test cars with similar list prices and pick the winner based upon which car best performs to their perception of what a "sport sedan" should be. And, you have to admit, BMW has nailed that formula down for many folks.
I was not at all surprised by the SAAB's last place finish. It's by far the oldest platform tested. Actually, didn't it only fall a point or two behind the next to last MB, a brand new model? Yet every other test I've seen of the new MB C Class has given it glowing reviews. And remember, the Audi A4 is at the end of its current cycle as well. A new A4 is on the way early in the new year. Also, Audi doesn't use their 4 wheel drive simply to enhance skid pad performance, they use it as an all weather performance
aid as well.
So, I'll agree that SAAB has left the current design go on too long. If SAAB had been in better financial shape, the NG 900/9-3 probably would have been replaced sooner. However, I also think that C&D will generally never select any FWD car as a 1st Place finisher when comparing "sport sedans". They prefer RWD (or AWD) handling characteristics. Interestingly, though I have not seen the article as yet, I think the January 2001 Road & Track also tests what they feel are the best sport sedans, and they don't even include the SAAB or Volvo at all. Just the RWD BMW and Lexus, and the AWD Audi.
So, I'm sure the NG 9-3 will be a better and more competitive performer than the current model. But I don't expect it to ever win a C&D comparison of "sport sedans". And that doesn't bother me at all. As many have said in the past, the SAAB's best quality is its "Jack of All Trades" ability to provide unique styling and driving feel, sporty (if not all out sport sedan) handling, and the unbeatable utility of the hatch, all at a reasonable price.
, Mon, 11 Dec 2000 16:34:33
, Tue, 12 Dec 2000 12:51:48, Wed, 13 Dec 2000 13:23:18
, Tue, 12 Dec 2000 07:12:24
, Wed, 13 Dec 2000 20:59:02, Mon, 11 Dec 2000 16:31:50, Thu, 14 Dec 2000 12:36:03, Mon, 11 Dec 2000 16:28:51
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
