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The base Passat is a way better deal than a base 9.5. $24,000 compared to $36,000; the Saab is not worth $12,000 more.
That said, the loaded Passat GLX is almost $31,000; so then the difference is not that great. So, if you are comparing the top of the line Passat, I would say it all boils down to which one you like to drive more. I think the Passat handles better and certain things like the clutch/shifter are better. Also the Passat seems roomier in the front seat as the 9-5 jams the steering wheel far to the left and crowds your feet in the footwell. But, the Saab's stereo is way better and the seats are pretty nice. The VW has a better view of the road and the dash looks nicer, but, the Saab has more useable controls that are easier to see and to grasp even with gloves on.
The Saab feels better built, you will notice this when you slam the doors, but , the Passat LOOKS better built as all the plastic matches (colors), the panel gaps are smaller and things look to be molded better. The leather is much nicer in the Saab.
The Passat engines are smoother; much smoother. And they do not get wierd as the Saab does in the summer with the AC on.
The glass on the Saab is nicer; it is tinted more.
I have a Saab now, but I have also owned a Passat. Next car will be either a base Passat or a base model BMW 5 serries. I cannot see the reason to spend so much on the loaded Passat, as it puts you within $5,000 of the stripper BMW 5 series. And, sadly, I see no reason to spend so much for the 9-5 as it is the same price as the BMW. Dynamically the BMW, even the stripped base model, is far, far superior to the 9-5. I know the 9-5 gives you more features for the price, but the 5 series drives way better, and even the base model is fantastic. It is better built and has better resale value.
Too bad BMW does not sell the really stripped models here like they do in Europe. I would be all over a $32,000 BMW 523 (2.3 liter 6 cylinder engine) with cloth seats and steel wheels. I could do without leather, leatherette, bad wood trim, parking radar, HID lights, cheezy alloy wheels with bad all season tires, and all the other fluff that we get stuck with here in the USA. Not to mention that the 2.3 liter engine is really very, very nice with the 5 speed manual trans and has all the power anyone would really need int he real world.
-Doug
, Fri, 9 Feb 2001 12:42:15
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