1985-1998 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Just to add:
If it's not apparent from the photos, the Aero is a hatchback (the "CS" body style), while the CD/CDE is a saloon (sedan). I only mention this because the later hatchback and saloon designs actually looked very similar.
Automatic Aero is the same 200HP engine as the auto and manual CDE (assuming yours is the 2.3 turbo engine, which most CDEs in the US seem to be - this was not the case in the rest of the world).
While the Aero has the stiffest suspension of all 9000s of its period, the CD/CDE has the softest (and by far the most comfortable ride). The CD is a cruiser, while the Aero is good for chucking around bends. Other than the seats, I believe the CDE will have all the same gadgets (ACC, etc.), with the possible exception of the digital clock/trip computer which replaces the mechanical clock used in other 9000s.
More information on the Aero, including differences from other 9000 models, is available on Rob Alimi's Aero page (link below).
As far as the meaning of "CDE" is concerned, according to SaabMuseum.com, "CD" didn't mean anything much when it was first introduced (the "CD" came from the plates on diplomatic cars - meant to allude to prestige and luxury). It was later said to stand for "Classic Design".
The "E", I believe stands for "Executive", or perhaps it's "Equipment" (or "Enhanced" or "Extra"? OK, so I'm guessing...), to denote the more well-equipped models, i.e. the CDE and CSE. I believe these all came with ACC, and probably other enhancements. Perhaps leather seats were only available on the CDE/CSE? My '90 CD had cloth seats, no ACC, in fact no A/C at all! However, people always remarked how quiet and comfortable it was.
posted by 140.204....
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