Date: Fri, 16 Jan 2004 09:54:35 -0500 From: ma_twain <ma_twainnopsamo.com> Subject: Re: Cold Weather Dependability
The Classic 900 has the reputation of being better in the snow than the 9000 or newer 900s. One of the possible reasons given is the layout of the engine and suspension. Almost every front wheel drive has the engine mounted sideways, including the 9000 and NG Saabs. The Classic has the engine mounted "backwards", with the fan belts against the firewall and the clutch just behind the radiator. The chains transfer the power to the transmission mounted below. I don't know of any other front wheel drive with this engine/transmission layout. I have driven other front wheel drive cars with the "standard" engine layout and the Classic handles better in the snow with the SAME TIRES. Many people forget how critical the tires are when they compare handling - a big mistake. meld_b wrote: > This point about handling well in snow... Does anyone else think that > one reason this get mentioned is partly because SAAB works to get the CG > of the car at the hip point of the driver? That's my theory... maybe > it's something else but it seems that charging into a slippery turn > feels different in SAABs and they seemed to maintain this through to the > GM900 at least. > > -meld > > Grunff wrote: > >> Hdgdn wrote: >> >>> This is my first real "winter" with my Saab, (1988 900s 16v, 197K >>> miles). It's really cold out there, windy as all get out too, but >>> that little car hasn't failed to start yet. Turns over a little slow >>> to begin, but it does start, and warms up very quick. Handles good >>> in the snow once it gets started too. I'm a happy guy. >> >> >> >> C900s love the cold. Just make sure you have a good battery, and use a >> thiner oil if it's too thick (this causes the slow cranking). >> >
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