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I don't have an SPG, but I've got a C900 and a Viggen, so I think I can give you a good idea of the differences.
First, know that these are two completely different beasts. Besides the hatchback, the engine, and the key between the seats, there is absolutely no relationship between the two cars.
The good:
The 9-3 is an incredibly refined car compared to the C900. It's quieter, smoother, more reliable, better built, more luxurious, etc. It's far more comfortable, especially the Viggen with its world class seats. The hvac and heated seats are both much better. Both the exterior and interior have the sculptural refinement of design that you would expect to see in high end furniture. There are parts of the car you could frame and hang on the wall. The 5-door option is great for those who want it. The SID is really nice, as is the integrated phone.
The bad:
Gone is the completely flat trunk and the rigid trunk floor. The visibility just sucks compared to the C900. The crash worthiness isn't as good (others may disagree). Storage space around the driver is nonexistent. As you've heard, the suspension is miserable. I've been told that because of the transverse engine, there wasn't enough room for a proper suspension geometry.
The ugly:
The 9-3 is no C900. It just doesn't feel anywhere near the same. Even the way you sit in the car feels different. The exhaust sounds different. The car feels more fragile. Unless you get the Viggen, I just don't think the car will feel as fun. The 9-3 is a great car, perhaps better than the C900, but in its own way. The best way to describe it is that the C900 is a Rally Car while the 9-3 is an F1 car. People have stopped my C900 and told me that they didn't know Saab made a 4wd car. That won't happen with my Viggen.
As far as the base vs SE question goes, I imagine that you'll spend more money upgrading the base than you'd spend just getting the SE. Plus you'll get all the SE's luxury features, and keep your warranty intact. Upgrading any 9-3 now requires a chip, since the T7 controls torque rather than boost. Without the chip, upgrading the airflow will have no effect other than quicker spool up. Sad, but true.
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