1999-2009 [Subscribe to Daily Digest] |
Having owned a number of Saabs, I got very angry with both Saab and local dealer last summer/fall and bought a new A4/2.8 when it was time for me to replace my '92 9000 T. (Boy, that '92 9000T was an animal! Really strong.) After 6 months and 8K miles, I replaced the A4 with an Aero. Both cars are/were 5 speed. The Audi was fully loaded with every option.
Audi Pluses:
- Extremely Quiet
- Very smooth - absorbs all road bumps, grooves, noises, etc. Rides like silk. Amazing.
- Sticks to the road like glue. It's hard to get in trouble in a corner.
- Best riding car I've ever owned - by far
- Best handling car I've ever owned
- AWD is fab, especially in bad weather (New England resident)
- LOVED the 1 touch open/close on all windows
- LOVED the 1 touch open/close on sun roof (tilt too)
- Windows & Roof work as long as key is in ignition (Why not on Saab?)
- Can close or open windows when locking or unlocking the car, with key or with remote
Audi weaknesses:
- 2.8 Engine is not responsive, it's sluggish - too much rotational mass
- Car is not quick - too heavy
- Car is too small - I'm 6'2" and it really bothered my right leg crammed up against the console. Also, there is zero leg room for rear passengers. 5 Adults in the car is like sardines in a leather lined can.
- Fuel econ is so-so (21-22 mpg)
- Gas tank is too small
- Therefore, miles per tank stinks, and I felt like I was spending my life at the gas pump, or worrying about where I'd find the next one. Pumping gas became a too frequent activity in my life.
- Premium gas only. It's not the cost, but I resented it when I knew the stronger and better 2.3 Saab engine didn't need it.
- While it is a lovely ride, and it handles extremely well, it wasn't particularly fun to drive. It's just a vehicle. An appliance.
The lack of driver space, the lack of rear leg room and the limited gas tank range were fatal problems, so I decided to take a bath and move on.
If you could put the Aero engine in the A4 you'd have an awesome car, but still too small for me.
Saab Weaknesses:
- Upshift light - UGH! Makes me vomit!
- No power to windows unless ignition is ON - What a pain every time you park!
- No 1-touch close of windows or roof. Parking nuisance - especially roof.
- Way too much wind and road noise
- Where have all the door pockets gone?
- No place to dump loose change, pencils, wallet, etc.
- Fairly quick financial depreciation - BUT - you get more for your money to begin with
Saab Pluses:
- It is a very responsive car - quick, and right with you.
- Much more room for the money - easily and comfortably carries 5 people plus bags.
- Much more comfortable seating position for a tall driver, enough so that you can find multiple seating positions on longer trips.
- Handles well - not like the A4, but still very good, even though it is a much larger car.
- Excellent range (430+ miles between fill-ups).
- It drinks anything - I burn the cheapest gas I can find.
- Besides being a vehicle, it is a lot of fun to drive, and I always look forward to driving it. It gives me pleasure.
Next time, road test an Aero!
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