1994-2002 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
I have owned one each of a 99, 900, and 9-3. All 3 were middle of the range models (99L, 900S, 9-3 SE HOT). In both "evolutions", I have noted the following.
(1) The newer car accelerates, brakes, turns, and otherwise handles better than the previous car. This is assuming that the suspension, tires, etc. are all in good order. My 9-3 with it's currently lousy P6000 SV tires can not match the cornering of my C900 on brand new P400s, for example. This supports Brian's observation that the Viggen is better on the track than an SPG... it should be, given the stronger motor...but even given equal motors I think the 9-3 will outperform the C900 thanks to superior handling characteristics.
(2) The newer car to me feels more insulated, and therefore less communicative with the road, than the previous car. The 99 felt more intuitive, and attached to me, than does the C900. The C900 is again better than the 9-3 in this regard (some days I like to drive the C900 just to experience this). In this sense then I agree with Vlad. The subjective driving "feel" is just better. That said, the newer cars are vastly more comfortable for everyday driving. So you trade some of the spirit for cozy function.
I believe the 9-3 is the best of the 3 cars in just about every objective sense I can come up with. Some days though, I do miss the C900 feel, and definitely the 99. The 99, by far the slowest of the 3 cars objectively speaking, felt quickest and most exciting for playing "european sports car" on windy twisty roads.
Keep on of each, if you can. Me, I can't insure both the C900 and the 9-3, so I gotta sell ol' Kajsa. One day though I'll get an SPG, or better yet a Porsche 911, to regain that feel.
Cheers,
'Roo
'78 99L 2dr sedan (gone far far away, probably somewhere in Mexico)
'89 900S 4dr sedan
'01 9-3SE 5dr hatch, not to be replaced anytime soon
posted by 12.13.238...
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