Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2005 11:13:12 -0500 From: "The Malt Hound" <rotten_NOSPAM_nospam.org> wrote in message news:slrnctt7bu.g91.rotten_NOSPAM_nospamam.example.com... > On Fri, 07 Jan 2005 13:53:33 +0000, Grunff <grunffnospam.com> wrote: >> >> What do I do? Stick with my beloved Saabs, or give in to my animal >> urges? Wisdom appreciated. >> > > It's a tough question. I have found the BMW 325xi to be quite fun to > drive, > plus of course it's great in the snow. And comfortable inside. But when > comparing it to the Saab 9-3, I think the turbo wins out in the > fun-to-drive > department. > > > John The comparison here is of a 5 series BMW and a 9-5 not the cars that you mention. This is significant because I belive there is more of a weight difference between a 9-3 and 325xi (BMW is AWD and heavier) than a 9-5 and 5 series. Even with the SAAB turbo I think the acceleration performance of these two cars is very close. If you got the 3.0l BMW six I think that would then get the nod, but it would likely be more money that a 9-5 then. Either way, we don't really buy these cars for drag racing... The rear wheel drive means the BMW handles the twisties better, hands down, in dry conditions. The BMW is a marginally better highway (freeway) cruiser than the 9-5, if that is what you intend, with pretty similar fuel efficiencies. The only place that a 9-5 *may* get an edge would be in the snow, but it is more a personal preference than anything else. Some folks prefer a FWD in snow. I do not. Personally, I prefer a RWD car in the snow. I have been driving them since my youth and can use power to bring the rear end around when I want to. FWD does not offer that option. Actually, with DSC engaged there is no chance of inducing an unintentional drive wheel spin anyway. I just put good snow tires on my cars and they are as good in the white stuff as any AWD SUV. MaltHound