I have had the opportunity to drive a BMW 520 (sorry, but in Belgium anything with a lot of cc costs a fortune just in taxes, so engines higher than 2 liters are not much popular) and made a comparison with my 9-5 SE 2.0 LPT.

*The interior of the SAAB has more room, is more ergonomic and the dashboard has much more style although the BMW one is quite nice. (Mercedes dashboards are ugly).

*The seats of the SAAB are much more comfortable.

*The BMW engine makes a nicer noise (6 cylinders) but needs to be in higher revs than the SAAB to perform. The gearbox ratio is shorter than on the SAAB.

*On the highway (120 - 140 km/h), the BMW is really quieter than the SAAB, although SAAB made real progress in comparison with the 9000's. I believe the BMW is one of the reference in low noise level on the market for the moment.

*I found the BMW more difficult to drive and to handle than the SAAB (Front Wheel Drive against Rear Wheel Drive). I felt the BMW getting closer to its limits in circumtances where the SAAB had absolutely no problems. I am not speaking about heavy weather conditions (ice and snow), but slightly wet roads. I have always driven SAAB's and was terribly surprised by the behaviour of the BMW.

*The (manual) gearbox command is better on the BMW.

*The SAAB is performing definitevely better than the BMW although the power is the same (150 hp), but the torque of the SAAB is higher.

*SAAB really improved the clutch command on the 9-5 in comparison with the 9000's and older 900's. I would even say that the clutch is better on the SAAB than on the BMW.

In conclusion, I'd say that I have been a little disappointed by the BMW which has an excellent reputation in Belgium and everywhere in Europe. Maybe I should have tried a 523? Unfortunately, the SAAB's are not well know in Belgium and the very poor service you get from the official dealers will not improve that image. A pity, because their cars really deserve better.

Thierry

• 9-5 vs BMW 5 series, thierry, Fri, 26 Jan 2001 16:11:48 <-- Viewing This Message
  • almost unfair comparison of engines, Magellan, Sat, 27 Jan 2001 08:45:57
    • Read the post closely....., AdamB , Sat, 27 Jan 2001 17:54:00
      • Huh?, Magellan, Mon, 29 Jan 2001 07:33:11
        • You said it was an unfair comparison of engines, AdamB , Tue, 30 Jan 2001 17:55:30
  • Re: 9-5 vs BMW 5 series, Karel, Fri, 26 Jan 2001 22:56:47
    • Re: 9-5 vs BMW 5 series, Manumad, Mon, 29 Jan 2001 08:35:46
    • Saab dealer Reputations, David Mills, Sat, 27 Jan 2001 11:13:02
  • Aye, it's all about torque really..., Steen, Fri, 26 Jan 2001 18:33:23

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