The banner above is an advertisment - if it asks you to download software, please ignore.
Site News - 3/26 M Car Covers (by State of Nine) | 12/12 Make Amazon Pay Saabnet!
Date: 21 Aug 2000 18:27:59 -0400
From: Jack B <jacknopsamdoche.net>
Subject: Re: Audi A4 1.8 vs Saab 9-3 180HP


John Wolfe <j.lobonopsame.com> wrote: > I'm very close to leasing either an A4 1.8T FWD or a Saab 9-3, 5 door, 180HP > -- both manual > Anyone have any opinion or issues that I should consider one way or the > other? I have a 2000 9-3 five-door five-speed. My wife has a 1998 Passat 1.8T five-speed, and my parents have a 1999 A4 1.8T Quattro Sport, so I might be entitled to have an opinion. Here are a couple of thoughts: Comfort - The Saab has more driver room than either VW/Audi. I am 6'2" and 240, and I am comfortable in the Saab, reasonably so in the Passat, and a bit cramped in the Audi. The rear seats in the Saab and Audi are comparable, that is to say cramped. The Passat will fit adults comfortably in back. The Saab has the best seats, the VW the worst. Power - The 9-3 is noticeably faster than either VW/Audi, and noticeably less economical (24mpg around town vs. 29) Solidity - The Audi and VW seem to have higher-quality interiors, and they are more solid. The Passat is so airtight closing the sunroof hurts one's ears. Handling - The Audi beats the Passat, which beats the Saab. Cornering which genuinely upsets the 9-3 has little effect on the steel-wheeled, Michelin "Energy" - shod Passat. Cost - Lease costs aside, the Saab sucks for value. My Saab was $31k, the Audi was $29k, and the VW was $23k, all equipped similarly, except the Audi has Quattro and the VW didn't have leather. My overall feeling is that the VW and Audi are "better" cars. They cost less, they are better-built, and they are modern under the skin, where the 9-3 isn't. However, I *love* my 9-3. Its "minivan"-style seating position fits me better, I prefer the punchy turbo motor to the stolid 1.8Ts, and I like the versatility of the hatchback. Most of all, I like the seats and the steering wheel - both much better for me than the VW twins. If you like the 9-3, why not get it? You might, however, want to really spend some time with the A4 first - and remember, there is a new A4 in December. > BTW, I noticed the shifter "floats" a little -- is this a SAAB "feature?" My shifter is extremely whippy and imprecise, but I am mostly used to it. I once drove a stick-shift Vanagon daily, so I can't say this shifter upsets me much. > Thanks, > John

Return to Main Index
StateOfNine.com
SaabClub.com
Jak Stoll Performance
M Car Covers
Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]