Date: Mon, 25 Nov 2002 16:33:55 GMT From: "pablo" <pabloNnopsamsimplyhombre.net> Subject: Re: GM plans Saab Restructuring
"C Sutherland" <csnopsamere.com> wrote in message news:Y3xRvDAWld49Ew9Dnopsam.demon.co.uk... > > Now I wouldn't mind if Opel built cars on Saab chassis but it's been the > building of Saabs on Opel chassis that has led to the discontent > expressed here and with which you keep taking issue. I haven't necessarily taken issue - I have just pointed out no one has actually made a case stating what exactly is wrong with the Opel chassis, other than its Opel origins. Granted several traditional Opel chassis are not reputed for brilliant handling, but that is not necessarily due to a fundamental flaw, but maybe just due to some engineering compromises (tuned for comfort etc). I am not stating that is the case, but no one has actually has said *why* the Opel chassis is bad. And note that the newest chassis coming out of Opel have received huge praise - in Germany. Beating, in the minds of testers, both BMW and Mercedes. I have provided a link to that particular test on www.autobild.de. So I ask again: other than the Opel origin, what is wrong with the Opel chassis, or what was so superior about the old Saab chassis? It looks to me as if going for the semi-independent rear suspension in the 90s 9-3 was a Saab decision, since I think Opel was using fully-independent in its setup. The soft set-up and long suspension travel also was a Saab internal decision. The chassis works quite well in Viggen setting - no one has ever accused that car of being a poor handler that I know of. I am just curious as to why the Opel frame is perceived here as inferior. I did a google search and didn't find much. There might be very valid technical reasons I may not know, or it might be brand snobbism... ...pablo