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Well,
Thanks to everyone that has replied. Seems like there is a 50/50 split over who has felt it and who hasn't, but it seems almost unanimous that Saabs suspension design is softer then most. Yes, this does give a very compliant ride, but at the same time it offers the ability for the body to "roll" a bit.
LDH commented that Saabs have a very stiff ride and therefore cannot have lots of body roll. I disagree. The Viggen that I drove WAS stiff...in a straight line. This is achieved by upgraded shocks, springs, and bigger wheels with lower profile tires. However, Stratmoen tells us that the stock swaybar on both the SE and Viggen is 16mm. That's not small, but it's not real big either. Add the high Center of Gravity of the Conv models and it's not suprising that the car might "sway" or "roll" around on the suspension because of this alone.
I do agree with most that putting the Viggen equipement on the SE will not solve the problem. I've looked into the Rescue Kit and from what I can tell it will only stiffen up the front end and not reduce body roll. Which brings me to another point...my definition of body roll.
When you enter a corner, if properly set up, the car should weight the suspension and allow the car to flow through the corner without changing the suspension and allow the drive to apply throttle and pull the car out of the corner. Now Body Roll to me is the following: if in the corner and the car's body position changes and thus effects a negative adjustment to the suspension, this is body roll.
I've been driving wagons for the last 6 years ( VWs and Audis ) and I've experienced all kinds of body roll due to the extra weight up high on the wagons....and call it Wagon Roll. You get used to it in the wagon when you enter a corner with the suspension set and the extra weight just tugs on the car, creating what I call "body induced understeer", pushing it out of the corner. Maybe this is what I was feeling in my moms car due to the weight of the Conv, but I don't think so.
So, what's all this mean. I don't know. I think it means that some people really like the Saab feel and some don't. I think it means that Saab creates a soft suspension that appeals to the majority of it's drivers, but not to all. I think it means that my mom is just one of those people that will never really feel comfortable with the stock suspension and her driving habits. I think she is going to have to decide for herself what is important and what amount, if any, she is willing to put into the car to make it the way she would like. However, I can also understand her frustrations in buying a car that she thought would provide this and didn't. Live and learn I guess.
So, thanks again to everyone that's responded. This has been....well, enlightening. I know a lot about VWs and Audis, but now I know a little more about Saabs. THANKS.
Rick
01 S4 Avant
, Tue, 6 Feb 2001 19:09:46, Tue, 6 Feb 2001 13:24:33
, Sat, 3 Feb 2001 23:58:41
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