For a brief period, I had both. I wanted to keep both but 2 car payments was just too much.

Anyway, liked my 900, especially the utility of it. My 9-5 does very well at carrying stuff, especially people howevery in terms of awkward items, it doesn't compare to the 900. I did manage to get a smaller (ok, quite small) dresser into the trunk of my 9-5 and have helped a friend move with it. It will carry lots of boxes with the seats down. That said, while the 9-5 does well, the 900/9-3 still does better.

In the end however, I bought an 85 900S about 2 months after selling the 96 900. I bought it for a number of reasons but one was definitely utility. So, I've got the best of both worlds, the 9-5 Aero for speed and refinement and the classic 900 to haul stuff around in and commute.

As for driving dynamics, the Aero is great BUT it sounds like that's out of your price range. I found the base 9-5 a little slower than I wanted and suspension too soft. In fact, I'd like to firm up the Aero's suspension a bit. My NG900 was only the S. I think that had I bought the SE instead, I might still have the NG900 today. Coming from a BMW to the NG900, the S just didn't have enough ooomph for me.

In another manner however, the 900's were more fun in the winter. I know most people don't consider anything about winter driving fun but the 9-5 is so damned competent. Between the TC, ABS, EBD, FWD, weight, Gislaved snow tires and all, it just wasn't any real fun. The old 900 (and to a less degree the NG900) was a lot more fun, even with the Blizzaks.

All in all though, I'm very happy with my compromise of owning 2 Saabs. Now if only I could get that pesky screw out of the 900 - damn thing. <g>

Bryce

• 9-3 or 9-5?, Chas, Thu, 19 Apr 2001 16:37:58
  • 96 900 to 00 9-5, Bryce, Sat, 21 Apr 2001 09:53:26 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: 9-3 or 9-5?, David G. Mills, Fri, 20 Apr 2001 23:50:15
  • Re: 9-3 or 9-5?, Ken , Thu, 19 Apr 2001 18:24:31
  • Yeh I had one of the first.., pete , Thu, 19 Apr 2001 18:02:00

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