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Date: Sat, 01 Nov 2003 14:24:07 -0500
From: ma_twain <ma_twainnopsamo.com>
Subject: Re: It's official - Saab on a deroute.....


Johannes H Andersen wrote: > > pablo wrote: > >>While no one doubts that Saab is undergoing major change that has most >>long-time admirers of the brand holding their breath, all this "an '88 900 >>is a smoother car than a '99 9-3" is nostalgic garbage. They were always >>very capable cars for their time, but I know that in '95, when I considered >>buying different Saabs that ranged from '89 to '93 in time period and test >>drove them a lot in Saab dealer lot condition, I was steered towards the >>more recent model as the better driving car every time. Eveyrbody has a >>right to prefer something else for whatever emotional reasons, but it's >>silly to claim that 20 year old cars were better engineered and drove better >>than what Saab producing today. They were great cars... for their time. Now >>they are cars with a lot of personality and all. >> >>...pablo >> > > It's not so simple. No doubt you get some innovations in newer models, but > they also take something out, the manufacturers have to make money. The > Classic 900 had double wishbone front suspension, while the GM900 has the > McPherson struts that are now widely used for FWD cars. > The Classic engine is also installed back to front. The NG has the transverse engine layout. The Classic big curved windshield is also gone. Its not just an emotional attachment. I suspect many of the NG changes were made for economic reasons, not engineering reasons. I test drove a NG Saab and a Camry, both front wheel drive with transverse engines and struts, flat windshields, both manual transmissions. Both drove OK and have good safety ratings, but the Camry was half the price. Guess how many Camrys are on the road versus NG Saabs? It comes down to economics for many people. I currently own two Classics a 900S and a SPG. I looked at a second Classic 900 Turbo, but three Saabs for one driver did not impress the spouse:-(

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