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I didn't sell the CDE. I've piloted almost half of the 200,030 miles that my '93 CDE turbo/auto has traveled, and since May I've put 18,000 miles under my belt in my '91 164S. I can't begin to describe how two cars built on the same platform that look so similar (both black on charcoal leather BTW), can be so different. They look pretty neat parked together in the driveway. Sort of like cousins brought up in vastly different households.
Which one is my favorite? Well, which of your kids do like best?
The Alfa has been less expensive to own so far but only because it's been so dependable. The Saab gets 25MPG, the Alfa gets 27 but burns premium. They both have 200HP. The Saab makes silky smooth low end thrust, the Alfa wails to 6500+ to get the same job done. What are you in the mood for?
Both cars are rock-steady handlers. The Saab feels more upright than the 164, and I think it has a lot to do with the low roll center afforded by the 164's independent rear. The Alfa also has almost 2° of camber built in so it turns-in much quicker, but tends to follow road irregularities. If I were forced into an offramp at three times the speed limit (hypothetically) I would rather be in the Alfa. If I were driving halfway across the country the Saab would leave me less tired.
I think the trunk and interior volumes of the Alfa would fit inside a 900 with room left over, but then the steep windshield rake and low roof are what help to give the car a .30 cd. I never noticed how big and upright the greenhouse is on a 9000 until I parked them side-by-side. The 9000's dash is really well laid out and I never appreciated it until I spent time in the Alfa. I do like how low the dash is in the 164. It feels like the road is in your lap. Reminds me of a friend's late 80's Accord.
People still ask why? Well I normally see no less than a half dozen 9000's every day on my 125 mile commute. In the last six months I've yet to see another 164. Reason enough for me.
Garret
posted by 63.165.136...
, Fri, 24 Oct 2003 21:48:52
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