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Hi folks!
I own a 2000 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro, I had a '97 900 SE-Turbo talladega, and I still have a '96 9000 Aero (automatic, it's a shame:-( ).
I must say that I miss my '97 900 dearly, it was more lively than the Audi, more communicative, more agile. But, I'm starting to like my Audi, and it feels much more solid and well built than the Saab did. The V6 surely accounts for some of this (it lacks power, but the 220 3.0 liter in the 2002 should fix this, especially since the car is said to weigh less). The car is great to drive fast all day long, quiet and relaxed, composed. I have the sport suspension, and it's MUCH softer than my '97 900 SE was, and I enjoy it. The car feels luxurious and expensive and it's a better highway car than the Saab. It also has better grip than the saab, but it's less fun in the twisties anyway, IMHO.
Basically, what I'm saying is, to you Saab folk who are used to tremendous amounts of road feel, Audis might feel a bit sedate, but that's part of the enjoyment. It's nice to have my 9000 when I'm in the mood for more feedback, or just want to spend time in those wonderfull seats, but I'm starting to enjoy my audi for what it is, not a pure sports sedan, but more of a grand tourer. This new A4 addresses all my critisisms, being bigger, more powerfull and ligher. Plus, I think it looks absolutely fabulous (love that chrome bit on the nose, I love the dual exhausts, I 'm pretty sure I love the rear, but I need to see it in person first (I used to hate the A6, like it a lot now).
Saab needs to get it right with the new 9-3. That wicked turbo power is always welcome, but how about making the car much quieter (road, wind and engine noise) and smoother? How about making the rear seat a bit bigger (it wasn't bad, but while I'm asking...) and the car wider? Why not offer more interior color combinations and using prettier plastics? Why not make the ride more compliant (not too much, I like things stiff) and less jittery? AWD would be nice, not needed, but it would be nice... How about making the car look a bit more chic? Classy and sporty do go well together, just look at the Jaguar S-Type V8, or the XK8 and XJR, or the Audi A6 4.2 or 2.7T, or the Aston Martin DB7 (my favorite car at any price). How about making the car less prone to squeaks and rattles and returning to the very nice 3 spoke wheel the '97 900 had? How about offering an automatic in the Viggen (my wife doesn't drive a stick, so I'm stuck with automatics), and make it a 5 speed with tiptronic-style controls?
I'm looking forward to what Saab/GM will have to offer. I hope to be impressed. Audi got me to buy the '00 A4 2.8 based on looks and a quality feel, and refinement. Saabs should be different, yes, but a bit more refinement is called for, I believe. This new '02 A4 could find a spot in my garage if the new 9-3 isn't up to snuff, and I promised myself my next car would be a saab... Don't let me down Saab!
Let me know what you think!
Have fun!
Rick
Montréal
'00 A4 2.8 Quattro, tiptronic, sports pack, etc.
'96 9000 Aero, automatic (not enough power, for a Saab anyway!)
Sold '97 900 SE-Turbo, 5 speed. Wife never drove it, it was a pain to work things out all the time, but man did I ever love that car!
, Sat, 14 Oct 2000 02:49:56
, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 20:44:38
, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 19:22:50, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 20:38:18, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 14:15:56, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 14:06:26, Tue, 10 Oct 2000 14:06:25
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