1964-1974 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
You might want to read the 'How to buy a Sonett' essay on that other vintage-Saab website. Some quick thoughts:
-- I don't mind driving mine on the Interstate at 75+ mph, but keep in mind that they are TINY (not for the easily intimidated) and they are LOUD at that speed. The gearing is fairly deep, so the engine is spinning at 4000+ RPM in fourth gear at highway speeds.
-- The gas mileage is good, but not as good as you might think from the size; in other words, you won't be turning in Toyota Prius numbers. The V4 engine was designed more for compactness and durability than for the ultimate in efficiency. I get about 31 mpg on the highway with mine (that's with a performance carb; you might do a few ticks better with the stock carb) so it's certainly not going to bankrupt you, but it's not super-efficient.
-- I'm 6'2" and I fit, but it depends on how you're proportioned: if you're long in the legs you'll probably be fine, but if you're long in the torso you may find headroom to be tight. I tipped the seat back by installing spacers under the front attachment points, and this makes a little more room. But you definitely need to try before you buy!
-- They FEEL fast, because they're very light and responsive, and they don't have any trouble keeping up in normal traffic. But if you want to drag away from stoplights against tuner Hondas, or run in competition events such as autocross, you'll be frustrated unless you invest in a seriously built engine. You're also very limited in tire width unless you're willing to modify the body, because the stock wheel arches are tight. When I run in SCCA autocross events, I'm typically competing against cars having about twice as much horsepower and twice as much tire; I have lots of fun, but I'm not very competitive.
So, it's a distinctive car, it's scads of fun to drive on twisting back roads, it gives you a lot of driving involvement, and it's reasonably dependable if you buy a good one and keep it up. It's even got a reasonable amount of luggage space and a good heater. But it's also loud, crude, and rather Spartan inside -- your 900 is a LOT cushier. Only you can decide whether you'll enjoy such a "fully caffeinated" car!
Tip: If you decide you like the basic feel of a Sonett but need more space and comfort, don't overlook a model 96. It has a sedan body and more room, but drives a lot like a Sonett because it's got the same engine and basic chassis.
posted by 68.227.170...
, Sun, 9 Jan 2005 23:17:32
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