1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
The thing that scared me about converibles was the images of a chrysler lebaron hardtop and conv in a headon offset crash test together. The deformations were unreal. The conv twisted the doors popped and the car folded up. In the crash photos of conv SAABs, it seems the the body doesn't fold in that way.
I did have some blind spot problems in the first week of ownership, but then realized I never adjusted my side mirrors properly through my 10+ years of driving. Once you crank 'em way out, there is no visibility problem at all.
If the SAAB didn't have a glass rear window, that would have been a deal breaker.
Even with the hatch, the SAAB active head restrain, I believe, would do an amazing job keeping your head contained. For one, it moves your head forward and the head rest seems like it would deform a bit, such as a catchers mit, to contain lateral movement. I think the up-side-down 'U-shape' is quite important to the design.
About a 1.5 months after we got the car, I was rear-ended while at a stop light (dude on a cell phone in a volvo). Luckily, front and rear bumper skins only, but the recaro seat and head restrain work great in concert. No neck stiffness at all. Can't say the same about my dodge, though. Sim situation (everyone panic stopped on the highway except the chevy p/u behind me), sore neck as a result. I am a big fan of passive safety as much as active safety. Manuverability, acceleration, and braking are something I really check out on a test drive before I consider buying anything. There have been a couple situations that, if I was in a poor handling vehicle, there would have been serious consequences. Comfort/wallowy suspensions (i.e. Ford Explorers and Buicks) should not be allowed IMO. The time it takes to react, then for the car to heel over, and load up only 2 wheels, well, one might as well forget about it.
Oh, the 9³ 180's and drifts nicely, even stock, so I wouldn't worry about rollovers, except as you said in a ditch.
later,
tony
posted by 66.114.15...
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