Date: 10 Sep 2001 16:12:43 -0700 From: felixcctnopsamo.com (FelixC) Subject: Saab 9-5 wagon vs. BMW
I'm trying to decide between a dealer-demo year 2000 model 9-5 wagon (base model, few options), and a very fine BMW 528i wagon with low mileage. Until a recent unfortunate incident, I drove a classic 900 hatchback. I loved the feel and the space of the classic 900, if not the looks. The new 9-3 seems smaller and doesn't seem to handle as well. Both the 9-5 and the BMW 528i are terrific on a test drive - lots of fun, lots of power, great handling. Both feel bigger and heavier than the classic 900. No question that the FWD Saab has more cargo space back there, but the BMW seems more luxurious by a considerable margin. The new Aero wagon is on par with the BMW, but the price! Ouch! (Actually a new BMW is about the same price, but I'm comparing specific used cars here.) Would love to hear from owners of these cars about their experiences and opinions. Oddly enough, I recall that I was comparing to a BMW sedan when I bought the classic 900 many years ago. That time the decision went to Saab - not sure about this time. This time I also tried the Audi A6 (underpowered with the non-turbo V6), the Volvo V40 (too small), the V70 (too ugly), the VW Passat (too plain), and the Subaru WRX wagon (fun to drive, but too basic).