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When my 2000 lpt wagon went off lease a couple of weeks ago, I was tempted to take a new Aero, but since I have another 9-5 ('99 SE V6) my wife persuaded me to add some variety to our daily drivers. The outgoing BMW E39 5 series was being heavily discounted and is a car that has received many accolades - mostly deserved. So when the local dealer offered me an $8,000 discount on a new 540iA I took the plunge and leased it!
Here are my observations between the 9-5 Aero and the 540 - I know this is not really a direct comparison since the 540 was about $8,000 more expensive than the Aero - but Saab does bill the 9-5 as a 5 series alternative with good reason.
Interior: space advantage to Saab, both front and rear seats offer a bit more room. Seats in both are good but BMW has no ventilated seat option, useful here in Florida. The BMW is short on storage space too, no center bin under armrest, no pockets in front of the seats and a small glovebox. However the door pockets are quite large, better than the odd shaped ones in the 9-5. The ergonomics are good in both, but I'd give the advantage to Saab, maybe because I'm used to the layout. I'd say that the materials used in the BMW are better - the leather is more supple and the dash materials are very good. It has beautiful walnut trim, IMHO way nicer than the cheap plastic "metal" on the current Aero. The BMW has an in dash CD player but no cassette player - advantage Saab. BMW has rather small side mirrors, the Saab's are better shaped and give a better field of view. The BMW has only one 12 V outlet vs Saab's 2, another Saab advantage.
Engine: I always hated the tooth rattling idle in all my 4 cyl. Saabs with auto transmissions, the BMW is dead smooth, you have to look at the tach to tell it's running! Sorry fellas but the V8 is a hands down winner here. The smoothness and melodious sounds from that V8 are a delight.
Fuel Economy: Over the time I had the lpt it averaged 22.2 mpg with long trips up to 28-29 mpg. I expect the Aero would be similar. So far the 540 is averaging 19.8 mpg and I expect will be 23-24 on long trips, so Saab has a significant advantage here.
Performance: The 540 is quicker than any unmodified Saab I've ever driven, manual or auto, and I've driven all the current models. There is no lag and the 290 bhp with 334 lb ft of torque allows for very tall gearing - this car is turning only 2,800 rpm at 100 mph in top gear. Compared to the lpt the performance is awesome, it's better than the Aero too but by a much smaller margin. RWD allows fast move off without wheelspin, in a traffic light drag the 540 is king by a wide margin.
Handling: We don't have too many turns around here, but when pushing it on freeway ramps I can notice the that there is less understeer in the BMW than the Aero , however I think the Saab tracks better in crosswinds. Both cars handle well - they are different but equally rewarding.
Brakes: Both excellent and both produce equal amounts of horrible black dust - when are European manufacturers going to solve this?
Lights: The Saab's are much better, both are Xenon but Saab does a better job.
Ride: I find the BMW more supple than the Aero and there is less road, wind and engine noise. Perhaps the suspension and tires are biased more towards luxury than sport.
Transmission: I think BMW uses an Asian Warner too, both Aero Auto and 540 are excellent.
In conclusion, the 9-5 really provides good value and compares favorably with the BMW The most significant difference between these cars are the engines. I know the Saab L4 is a durable, powerful and economical engine but lordy, it does lack refinement when compared to V8's and V6's. IMHO the V8 in the 540 is worth the higher price of admission, although I admit I would never have leased the 540 if the monthly payment had not dropped to within $100 of the Aero! I was sorry to learn Saab is dropping their V6 for 2004 and only hope they come up with a creamy Turbo V6 soon. In the meantime I'm enjoying driving both my '99 SE and the 540, variety is the spice of life!
posted by 64.12.9...
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