Date: Wed, 08 Nov 2000 17:43:38 -0500 From: Four Weis <mweinopsamcom> Subject: Re: Doubts about the 9-3's "nervousness"
Andrew Stephenson wrote: > In article <3A034A52.5B7827AFnopsamitech.net> wvincentnopsamitech.net "WV" writes: > > > [...] The steering is very precise and if you are not used to > > it you may be over correcting which can translate as "nervous > > ride" > > I am pretty sure this was not the cause of my dissatisfaction. A > poor choice of words may have led me to characterise the handling > as "nervous". I thought the steering okay: neatly accurate, with > good gearing (er, rather like my current Volvo 440's, in fact). > > Thinking further, what bothered me was how poorly the occupants > (or the driver, at least) are insulated from chassis vibration. > Better springing of the seats would help. > > But SAAB are not alone in this. It seems the fashion of the age, > as if hitting the driver with every bounce and jiggle is meant to > impress him/her with the car's dynamic excellence. Hmm, not this > driver: I am of the school of thought which is more impressed by > how _effortless_ a machine makes its task seem. The 9-3 goes far Saabs traditionally have focused more on handling than a soft, comfortable ride. I drove a '86 900 for 15 years and to the day I sold it, it had no body roll on turns and no dive on braking. If you don't like this type of ride, then don't buy a Saab. I understand a Toyota Camry (205/65 15" tyres are standard) has a very smooth, soft ride. You might try this car and see if this is really what you want. If you want adequate power the 4-cyl produces 150 hp, which should be fine with a manual transmission. The 6-cyl produces over 200 hp, which rivals the high output Saab turbos. This is enough to char the tyres through 3rd gear. Needless to say, I had fun in a test drive. > Certainly, there are people who relish the rush and the roar and > all that. Good luck to them. To me, a car is for going places, > as efficiently and restfully as can be managed. Arriving there > reasonably fresh is desirable. > > Anyhow, thank you to all who fielded this question. To be fair > to the 9-3, I shall try out one with the standard smaller wheels, > if the dealer offers an opportunity. There is no hurry. > -- > Andrew Stephenson
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