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Date: Sun, 17 Jun 2001 21:52:04 +0300
From: "Manna" <manna7nopsamalahti.fi>
Subject: Re: 9-3 convertible quality......?


H. is right. As of now the Viggen is only available in America. In the rest of the world the Aero is the top model for the Saab 9-3 Convertible. As of MY01 the Aero has the same seats, the same body skirts and front/rear bumpers as well as some interior details. The big difference is the engine, the Viggen has the 2,3L turbo while the Aero has the 2.0L torbo. Viggen has 230HP and the Aero 205, just like H. wrote. The special editions you are talking about, might be two limited editions that where made during this spring. They have body coloured A-pillars, bruched door handles (inside), inserts in the side and door trims and on the seats and 17" wheels. This "kit" was only fitted on the SE models, so I don't think it will be available in America. It is correct that the new 900 (9-3) is built on the same plattform as the Opel/Vauxhal Vectra. There was some issues with this plattform. Most of them with handling and steering, like torque steer. These issues where greatly improved with the release of the 9-3. These issues are always subjective to the driver and everyone have to make up their own mind on how they feel driving the car. There are very few problems with the 9-3 convertible. The quality is very good. The 9-3 will be replaced in 2002 (MY03) and the 9-3 covertible in 2003 (MY03‡). The new model is based on the same plattform as the upcoming new Vectra. The new Vectra will probably de shown in Frankfurt and the new Saab in Geneva. M. "H." <musicboxnopsamrider.co.uk> wrote in message news:b2aiit0ljmp6cpht6a05flm5bvg13clj1anopsamcom... > In reply to both your posts..... > > Just to contradict one statement, the Viggen is NOT called the Aero in > Europe, or at least, I know it's not in the UK! > > In the UK, the Viggen is the flagship 9-3 with 225/230BHp, big alloys, > body-kit etc. The Aero model is one down from that and is what was > once called the HOT, or High Output Turbo, as it has 205BHp, in > comparison to the normal full turbo which has 185. Finally there is > the entry-level engine, a light pressure turbo with around 154BHp, or > something like that. > > I think the Limited Edition you are thinking of is the "9-3 Alpine" > which has just been released in the UK - it is a standard 9-3 but with > body-colourd windscreen pillars, brushed aluminium / carbon/fibre > dashboard, slightly different seats, a body kit and rear spoiler and > big 17" alloys. > > As for comparisons with the BMW 3-series, well there is a world of > difference between the two, but both have their good sides and bad. > > Certainly in the UK, the 9-3 Convertible is much much cheaper than the > equivalent 3-series, and has far more equipment - standard leather / > air-con / trip computer / CD player etc. > > The entry engine, the 154BHp Ecopower turbo is more powerful than the > BMW unblown 1.9, and also more fuel efficient. > > The Saab is arguably going to last longer - both will be fine for > 4-5years, 100,000 miles, but beyond that, the Saab will probably be a > little more reliable, and even if not, probably cheaper to fix. But > when it comes to resale value, in 3 years, the Saab will be worth less > than the BMW, but then again, you have paid less for it in the first > place... > > HOWEVER, arguably, the 3-series, being BMW and rear-wheel drive, is > the better car when it comes to handling - it may be slower on the > straights, but it is easier to push through a corner. The Saab is > prone to scuttle-shake - that feeling of the whole car vibrating when > you go over bumps, and BMW apparently doesnt so much. In the BMW, the > engine gives smooth power delivery - good for some, boring for others. > Non-Saab drivers are often frightened by the sheer wall of power you > get off the turbo, but one you get used to it, it is anything but > boring! > > I haven't driven an 3-series convertible, but I have driven several > different 3-series 5 doors and coupes. I own a 9-3 SE 185BHp > Convertible, and am glad I chose that. Why? Well there are less of > them about, which makes them unusual - there are 3-series all over the > place - you can't get away from them. In the UK BMW have something of > a bad reputation - we seem to think they are driven by idiots who > can't drive and have no respect for the rules of the road. Saabs are > seen as odd, unusual, and safe. > > If all you care about is perfect handling and image, get a 3-series. > If you want to be a bit different, have more fun in the long run, and > pay less in the long run, buy the Saab! > > Hope this helps, > H.

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