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Off the road faster..... Posted by Mike Lynch [Email] ![]() ![]() In Reply to: 9-3 Conv/Sedan or Audi A4/Deals, Susan, Wed, 18 Aug 2004 16:54:46 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
Here in SoCal when we go to the snow (after surfing naturally) you don't need to mount chains if you have AWD and M+S or all season tires, score one for AWD for Californians.
Once your driving in the snow the AWD just means you'll be going confindently faster when you slide off the road. FWD and Electronic Stabiblity Program many say does a better job of actually keeping you on the road. I don't think a hard geared quattro system can use ESP effectively.
The reason AWD is effective in the Audi is because of the balance of an Audi. With the longitudal engine hung out in front of the clutch and differential out at the end of the car, a FWD Audi has the worst FWD weight distribution of almost any car. Adding the rear diff and axles helps the balance, but it makes an Audi a heavy, ponderous car.
Not so with the Saab, that's why they started calling 'em all Sport Sedans, 'cause the handling is so lithe and nimble, and well sporty!
A Saab 9-3SS mounts the all aluminum engine transversely, leaned back with the turbo on the back, and adds an aluminum hood and aluminum suspension and brake calipers to further improve the balance. So a 9-3SS has the same front rear weight distribution as other German RWD sedans! No typical FWD heaviness with a 9-3SS. Then you add ReAxe passive rear wheel steering (I'm suprised VW/Audi doesn't use this technology as Porsche invented it) where the outside loaded rear wheel in a corner toes out slightly 1-1.5mm to steer the nose into the corner therefore minimizing understeer. And Finally the all aluminium suspension and brake components mean an outstanding ride handlind compromise and a sport feel for all trim levels.
Drive 'em back to back like we did at the Proving Grounds and the 9-3SS and 9-3SS Convertible have much better handling than any competitor.
BTW in a recent test of Verts the 2.0T 9-3 Arc tested faster/quicker than the 3.0 Audi or the 3.2 Benz despite having a supposed horsepower disadvantage.
And Saabs are above average reliability wise, not so for Audi lately.
There's big money back, a generous Saab incentive in lieu of 0% financing and a fabulous lease that combines a big incentive with a super low rate. Of all the Saab models remaining for 2004, the 9-3 Arcs have the most abundant supply. Unless you want a stick, in which case I'd buy now as the sticks are almost sold out.
posted by 63.197.222...
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