. . . the cars are very different in character, so it's hard to compare the two. The 328i is generally more refined -- probably the inline six -- and has less roll when doing fast corners. It's a fun car to drive, but you have to go fairly fast before you feel that you're actively driving the car. The 9-3 SE, on the other hand, is more fun at low speeds. More body roll, but I like the turbo "oomph." It's more buzzy, but that's probably due to the four cylinder engine.

Overall, I like each for different reasons. The 328i is my car, so it has a five speed, whereas the 9-3 is my wife's, and has an automatic. We now have three cars (third is a Z3 convertible), and if at some point we get rid of one of them, it would be the 328i. The 9-3 is much more utilitarian. Although (I think) that the 328i is supposed to have more rear leg room, the 9-3 is more comfortable to sit in in the back (obviously, as small cars, both are somewhat lacking in this regard). I love the hatch, though -- it comes in useful during Home Depot trips, and we have not noticed not having an SUV any more (traded in a Lexus RX300 for the 9-3). Disappointed that Saab at least initially will not be releasing a five-door hatch with the next generation 9-3.

The only thing I dislike about the Saab, really, is that it rides a bit too hard. I understand that going to the base model would have likely corrected this, but we wanted the options that are on the SE, as well as the more powerful engine. To that end, I'm toying with the idea of switching out the Eagle RS-A 205/50's that came with the car with Michelin Energy MXV4 Plus 205/55's. My Beemer is a non-sport edition, so it's not
really an apples-to-apples comparison as to it being more soft on the
road.

The other thing I really like about the Saab is the styling -- though I
like the 328i's styling, too -- and the fact that there are not many of
them on the road. In our subdivision, there's probably five or six
Lexus RX300's, but only one other Saab, and it's a 9-5 wagon, not a 9-3.
Furthermore, every sixteen-year-old kid seems to have a 3-series these
days, so my car is not very unique.

- Mike.

posted by 216.122.6...

• I'm sick of auto reviewers!...A rant..., Bob M, Wed, 15 Aug 2001 12:33:26
  • We have both a 00 328i and a 01 9-3 SE . . ., Mike D, Sat, 18 Aug 2001 21:28:24 <-- Viewing This Message
  • I read the samething and laughed. Some will never understand, Ckpaden, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 18:14:17
  • They easily become jaded..., Seamus, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 08:16:53
  • Reminded myself why I drive Saabs, Marko Uk, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 05:54:55
    • Re: Reminded myself why I drive Saabs, Ravi, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 20:00:27
      • Re: Reminded myself why I drive Saabs, Marko UK, Fri, 17 Aug 2001 03:24:45
  • when my Saab 9-3 base leans in the corners, John A., Thu, 16 Aug 2001 00:05:43
    • TESTIFY!!!!! nm, Adrian, Mon, 6 Dec 2004 00:50:43
  • Re: I'm sick of auto reviewers!...A rant..., Patrick, Wed, 15 Aug 2001 18:25:41
  • Re: I'm sick of auto reviewers!...A rant..., KeithB, Wed, 15 Aug 2001 13:49:22
    • Re: I'm sick of auto reviewers!...A rant..., Jonas, Thu, 16 Aug 2001 16:53:21
    • Re: I'm sick of auto reviewers!...A rant..., StanleyB, Wed, 15 Aug 2001 14:47:10

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