1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
because I've seen the reaction of some SAAB V6 owners when they find out about the engine being GM. It is a reaction like a BMW owner would have if they found out they had a Ford engine or an Audi owner finding out they had a Dodge engine (neither of these are true of course, this is for illustration). Many new SAAB buyers are just not aware of this.
I know this is a debated issue, hence the religious wars comment. I also announced my bias because I am not blind to my preference for SAAB parts over Opel/Chevy/Other GM parts.
Also, given the feedback I've had from several long time, very honest, SAAB mechanics, it is documented that the I4 has lower maintainence and operating costs than the V6.
I also stand by my comment of why there is a V6 engine in SAABs. SAAB has stated for over 20 years that the turbocharged 4 cylinder engine is superior to any other configuration for the average car due to its fuel efficiency, weight, and its ability to generate the same power as a larger 6 cylinder. Given this, I asked you, who decided to put a V6 in a SAAB--SAAB or GM?
Lotus went through the same kind of marketing thing. The Lotus Esprit was a 4 cylinder supercar. They figured out that there was not credibility in a 4 cylinder, so they put in a V8. The acceleration figures remained the same due to the added weight. Many claim handling also suffered due to the added weight. But I digress.
Yes I am biased against GM. I had a friend that worked as an engineer for GM for awhile. At one point his job was figuring out how thin they could make the gaskets in the engine so that they would last at least 5 years (all to save a few cents per engine). Failure at any point after 5 years was acceptable, because the GM theory was if you drive a GM car over 5 years old, you are not a GM customer (since a GM customer to them is only a new car customer, and the average new car customer buys a new car every 3-5 years, someone in a 6 year old car probably did not buy it new, hence not anyone GM considers a customer or cares about). SAAB through the 70s, 80s and 90s prided itself on the longevity of their cars. The Official US SAAB magazine, SAAB Soundings, routinely published pictures of 200,000 and 300,000 mile cars. So, you can blast or flame me, but you might be able to see why one might care about who was designing and building their engine.
Yes Lou, all 9-3s will be Chevys (or Opels or other GMs), and the next 9-5s may be that way. I may have just bought one of the last of the anything SAAB cars. Come 8 or 12 years from now when we look for a new car, if things keep going the way they are, it won't be a SAAB. I dare say there are many long time SAAB enthusiasts (err, I mean holdouts) that share this opinion.
Yes, the landscape has changed. Look how many cars SAAB sold in the 80s, then look how many they sold in the 90s under GM. Yep, the landscape sure has changed for SAAB.
Dave D
90 SPG
03 9-5
posted by 66.167.254...
, Mon, 16 Dec 2002 22:26:51
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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
