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While your at it, ask yourself which one you might survive in if in a bad accident. I can't speak for the Evo or Mazda (FWD?), but the WRX reminded me of a 80's Hyundai. This was an '08 model at the car show. Sure its got lots of air bags, but real safety goes way beyond that. I dont think it has really has what's needed. Ever been in a real bad accident ? I have.
Am I biased because Im a Turbo X owner and loyal SAAB owner for decades? Can't deny that. But at the same point, I keep trying to find a reason to move away from SAAB and haven't found a strong enough one.
Reliability ? Well 7800 miles and 8 months and I have a seat squeak. I owned an '01 9-5 Aero that had one issue. Some say my car repair issues of the past decade are not the norm. I don't baby my cars either. Luck favors the prepared.
Gas mileage ? Just did a 200 mile round trip 80% highway, little traffic, and the damn computer says 29+ MPG. Even if it's off by 3 MPG it's higher than EPA. Typical sporty driving and its averages is down 22-24 MPG. Sure the 2.0 isn't as thirsty. Hell GM screwed SAAB by not giving them a direct injection based engine (cant crowd Cadillac). It's also not as fun, smooth or refined. Even my brother in law who drives a Z loved this engine.
Handling, yes in subjective/measured driving Im sure that the other AWD models do better. But I'll tell you this much, the X is a blast to drive. It even surprises me a lot.
Of course most of these vehicles are faster, their power to weight ratio is significantly better. More power than an X and a good 300-400lbs lighter. Personally I think GM's tranny (F40) is the restrictive issue. I'm still researching that one since I do want to do a ECU upgrade at least.
Which one do I want to be in on a longer drive. No question the X. Probably the EVO next (from what I've read).
Price ? Yes the X was a premium. Again, good old GM and a manufacturing process thats crazy (especially the engine). SAAB's have always been more. Fortunately they aren't as much as equiv. BMW based systems ( I know be careful here). At least I got a factory incentive and being a loyal follower wound up within $3K of a WRX STI.
Barry
posted by 66.187.234...
, Tue, 6 Jan 2009 12:24:37, Sun, 4 Jan 2009 16:06:34
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