1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Hi Greg,
I've owned a couple of BMWs during the time I've owned my '93 9000 Aero, including an E34 M5 and an E32 735i with a manual transmission (actually an Alpina B11)
Neither had an arm rest, but that's never bothered me as I'm pretty much always a two-hands-on the wheel kind of guy.
However, the reason I'm writing is the position of the major controls in Saabs.
I had a '91 900 before I got my Aero, and I had the same complaints about that car. The shifter feels like I have to reach way forward and down compraed to the BMWs, which was just a couple of inches from the steering wheel, and a very natural movement.
However, what bothers me more than the shifter position is the seating position, and steering wheel angle. I'm 5'10, with a bias towards long legs. I cannot sit low enough in the Aero for my taste, no matter how I adjust the seat. Also, the angle of the steering wheel makes it feel like I'm driving a bus if I've just come off driving the BMW.
Once I'm used to these things a bit into my journey, they don't bother me. The car has more than enough other positive attributes for me to look over these things. I don't drive the Aero to within an inch of its life any longer - the position is very comfortable, just not very sporting.
These aren't sports cars by any means. In my opinion, the focus of design was not on driving, but on safety and relative economy given the creature comforts. This goes for the Aero as well. Yes, it is fast, and with the right suspenion mods can be a seriously quick car. However, you're never going to get the driving experience you're used to with sports cars.
I occasionally get to drive a Miata, and drove an M Coupe once. These were both an absolute blast - all the controls were right where my arms fell. Especially the M Coupe - the transmission tunnel feels really high when you're down in the low seat, it's such a natural position for shifting gear! An absolute blast.
Anyway, I'm of the opinion that you are not going to find what you're looking for in any classic 900 or 9000.
However, for the money, I don't think you can possibly beat the selection of positive attributes.
Just my opinion!
--Jeff
'93 Aero 5sp - 208,000km
'90 Alpina B11 3.5 5sp - 75,000km
posted by 24.80.208...
, Thu, 30 Mar 2006 16:17:00, Thu, 30 Mar 2006 14:07:07, Thu, 30 Mar 2006 16:21:45, Fri, 31 Mar 2006 12:05:59
No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
