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I've driven a 9-3 Linear and a 9-3 Arc. I have also driven the new S40 T5 (all automatics) and these are the big differences I noticed:

1. Even though the S40 has 0.4 L more displacement, and 1 more cylinder, and the T5 has more horsepower than either of the 9-3 engines, it did not seem nowhere as fast or sporty as the 9-3. I have seen that the S40 is supposedly faster too, but I don't know where they get their measurements. The Saab feels considerably faster; whether it is doesn't really concern me. I am more interested in the driving experience than the numbers.

2. The S40 is a nice car. I like the interior quality better than the 9-3, especially with the t-tech seating material and the metallic accents. I'd like to see the t-tech material put in the 9-3. Leather is nice, but I am a little reluctant to get leather seats where it gets to 115F in the summer here in Phoenix. The instrument cluster bothers me a bit. There are two large guages (tach and speedo) with two minor gauges inside them and a digital readout on between them. The guagues also appear to be really far away and makes you feel like you're almost sitting in the back seat when driving. The 9-3 interior is a lot more busy, but it seems to be well-designed and appeals to techies like me.

3. The interior dimensions of the S40 is quite impressive considering the exterior dimensions. However, the S40 is considerably smaller overall than the 9-3. I don't think I can get used to a car that small. Also, if you don't get the sport package, you will get black plastic rocker panels, which makes the car appear to be a lot higher off the ground than it really is, which makes the car look a bit out of proportion. The 9-3 linear has black rocker panels too, but doesn't suffer from this optical illusion.

4. A fully loaded S40 T5 can cost more than a 9-3 Arc (with the incentives) and it seems to me the 9-3 is a lot more car for the money. Which makes sense because they are not direct competitors, even though the price may lead you to believe that. I wouldn't complain if somebody gave me an S40 but I'll take the Saab if I had my pick. Hopefully, I'll own one soon.

posted by 68.3.99...

• Will Saab have to drop the price of the 9-3, Mark, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 08:48:05
  • Why? Two different segments, Mason, Fri, 9 Jul 2004 23:56:56 <-- Viewing This Message
  • S40 is the size of a Focus sedan........., PaulYVR, Thu, 8 Jul 2004 09:20:02
  • Incentive based selling......., Mike Lynch , Wed, 7 Jul 2004 13:08:56
  • Sure the base price is low BUT, Misplacedyankee , Tue, 6 Jul 2004 15:57:29
  • All in the marketing..., BrianH, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 15:36:00
  • S40 is not comparable to 9-3, AdamB , Tue, 6 Jul 2004 11:26:25
    • Re: S40 is not comparable to 9-3, Clawfinger, Fri, 23 Jul 2004 01:45:43
    • Which Volvo was the 9-3SS Proving Gronds - it sucked, Scott Paterson , Wed, 7 Jul 2004 04:53:04
      • It was the new S40. A bit of a disappointment..., b.flippo, Thu, 8 Jul 2004 11:56:59
      • Re: Which Volvo was the 9-3SS Proving Gronds - it sucke, Mark, Wed, 7 Jul 2004 08:17:30
    • I think that most would shop the S40 against the 9-2, Schu, Wed, 7 Jul 2004 04:49:19
    • Re: S40 is not comparable to 9-3, Mikko, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 13:36:42
      • Re: S40 is not comparable to 9-3, AdamB , Wed, 7 Jul 2004 07:19:04
      • Re: S40 is not comparable to 9-3, volksaab, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 23:30:22
        • almost foot shorter, anthony, Wed, 7 Jul 2004 04:36:34
    • Re: S40 is not comparable to 9-3, Mark, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 11:55:55
      • Well, AdamB , Wed, 7 Jul 2004 07:21:50
  • Re: Will Saab have to drop the price of the 9-3, MailOrderSupplies, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 10:52:28
    • Re: Will Saab have to drop the price of the 9-3, Mark, Tue, 6 Jul 2004 11:14:00

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