Another "I just drove the new 9-3SS" post - Saab Performance Bulletin Board - Saabnet.com
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Another "I just drove the new 9-3SS" post
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Posted by Andy E [Email] (more from Andy E) on Fri, 18 Oct 2002 00:32:51 Share Post by Email
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Wow, what can I say? Very quiet, very smooth, and yet very saab. It has all the stuff to compete in the segment, yet somehow packs in a lot of saab character as well. It had more engine noise than I expected (2003 1.8T a lot quieter), but a very pleasant, subdued growl in the higher revs. The turbo spools up lightning-quick, and pulls surprisingly hard for 175hp- feels like more. To compare to the new A4 again, the 9-3 is quite a bit faster by my butt-dyno. The one I drove had the optional 17s and sport suspension, and body roll was very minimal by stock standards, and the ride was far plusher than it deserved to be in a car that delivers such good handling. Fit and finish was superb for a sub $30K car, and gauge lighting looks magnificent. Steering was quick and reasonably well weighted for a new car these days, but a little more feedback would be appreciated. Seats are excellent for a base model- a far cry from C900 park benches. Good support on thigh bolsters and very comfortable. Gripes? Shifter feels a little trucklike, longer throws than some of its competition, and less precise. More disturbing though was that it just felt problematic. It was loose and somewhat inconsistent, and I felt the sychros to be a little reluctant, slightly harsh. My best guess is that somebody has beaten on this particular car. Sad- it only had 120 miles on it. Overall, well, I think I will start saving for a down payment- it was calling to me!!
Andy
91 SPG

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