First of all, have you considered a new 6-cylinder Subaru Outback? I would go as far as to say that the new boxer six is head and shoulders above anything else in class. The new Legacy platform is safe and solid and the price difference is quite substantial...

People who say that AWD does not matter have obviously never owned a sporty AWD car. I am a big fan of SAABs. I own two of them. My 1986 900 handles like a dream, mostly because I spent countless hours dialing in the suspension. However, I am a great fan of Subaru AWD technology. I have owned 4 Subarus and currently drive an AWD Impreza. I must say that, bone stock, the Impreza is nowhere close to the handling and neutrality of my classic 900. However, because of its AWD, it is VASTLY easier to drive above and beyond the limits of the car and the road. I am not talking about driving in incliment weather. At 60 mph, on dry pavement, you can perform a "scandinavian flick", countersteer as the car rotates around the scariest off-camber corner, all wheels sliding, while being in complete control and having supreme confidence. The real kicker is that you can do this all day long, in any weather, with cars around, etc., etc. And the car just begs for more. Fun, fun, fun... You feel like Richard Burns without taking a day of rally school.

AWD has very distinct advantages and disadvantages. An AWD car feels heavier (and more solid) than a FWD car. It sucks up fuel. It can actually be a handful in the snow, depending on chassis setup. I feel more confident in snow in my FWD SAAB than in my AWD Subaru, on same tires. It's easier to get into trouble in snow with AWD. However, it is also much more fun -- you slide around more and you have more control.

posted by 64.105.11...

• Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, BrightTL, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 13:58:12
  • Some thoughts, Bevan, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 11:30:10
  • If where you live you get lots of snow..., Coolknight, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 15:35:23
    • Fixed link.... NM, Coolknight, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 15:37:03
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, Neal, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 11:06:32
    • ! Agree - Saab 9-5 is safe, BrightTL, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 11:46:37
      • What percentage are you referring to in the ENCAP?, Jim, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 15:11:33
        • Each test gets a %, Coolknight, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:14:15
  • Lets us know what you decided on n/m, Anton, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 13:36:18
  • Had to make the same decision - went Saab..., Dale, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 12:08:14
    • Near invoice plus the $4k rebate?, New2saab, Thu, 27 Dec 2001 20:46:41
    • Re: Had to make the same decision - went Saab..., Jim, Tue, 25 Dec 2001 03:27:42
  • Interior Quality...... its a matter of so much, Jörgen Trued, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 09:20:44
    • Good point, Polaris, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 10:21:08
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, John Davies, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 18:27:34
    • AWD vs FWD Aero vs Audi, BrightTL, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 23:08:31
      • On the point of AWD vs. FWD and Subaru Outback, Vlad, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:09:39 <-- Viewing This Message
      • FWD is OK in my book, Polaris, Mon, 24 Dec 2001 10:34:43
    • AWD vs. FWD, Lou, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 18:53:35
      • Re: AWD vs. FWD, John Davies, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 22:18:56
        • Re: AWD vs. FWD, Bob M, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:13:23
  • can't say about wagon, but 2.8 sedan is..., Eli5, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 15:06:12
  • I am in the same situation as you are, but you need...., TKC, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 14:54:06
  • Re: Help - Audi A6 Avant VS Saab 9-5 Aero Wagon, ANDREW GAY, Sun, 23 Dec 2001 14:12:16

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: (none)
• Next by Date: Re: AWD vs. FWD, Bob M, Wed, 26 Dec 2001 16:13:23
• Main 9⁵ Bulletin Board

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]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)