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I remember from a long while back, perhaps before the split of boards into 9-3 and NG 900, a heated debate about what exactly torque steer is, and whether or not Saabs exhibit it. Well, edmunds.com posted a response to a reader's question about torque steer that used the Viggen as an example of bad torque steer that casts a negative light on Saabs in general. I was wondering if anyone remebers what the definitive answer to whether or not Saabs have torque steer, or if that is the wrong term. If we decide on the correct term we should send a barrage of emails to edmunds.com (which I usually respect) telling them they are wrong (or right if its the case I guess).
Here is the question and response by edmunds, as well as a link to the page:
[Your editors] state that the Saab has "severe torque steer." Can you please let me know what that is in laymen's terms?
Torque steer is the tendency of a high-powered, front-wheel-drive car (such as a turbocharged Saab 9-3 or 9-5) to pull to one side under hard acceleration. While torque steer is a shortcoming of Saabs, it doesn't make them unsafe to drive — and you'll quickly adjust to the personality of a Saab. Still, it does take away from performance (which can be disappointing, given the vigor of the turbos), and many automotive journalists (like ourselves) would rather have a BMW, Audi or Mercedes in this price range.
Some people like the unique personality of Saabs, though, and you certainly won't see many of them on the road (except in New England and maybe California). If you're considering a Saab, take a long test drive, and you'll find out whether the handling bothers you. — Erin Riches
I hope some of you have some input!
Brian McCandless
Edmunds.com Letters to the Editor Page (Scroll Down)
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