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Real Life Impressions Posted by MisplacedYankee [Email]  (#1756) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from MisplacedYankee) on Fri, 7 Feb 2003 18:27:40
In Reply to: Aero vs. Viggen - impressions?, john flores, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 13:15:16 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
I have had the pleasure of owning both. My Viggen (which I sold not too long ago) was an early 2000 Lightening Blue Viggen coupe. I loved that car. But family size has changed. I have added two kids (one just a few weeks ago) and needed to move away from a coupe. I looked at getting a 5 door Viggen or an Aero sedan in 3rd quarter of 2002. I did test drive the wagon, but we already have a Chevy Suburban so a sedan was adequate for my needs. I did not find much difference in the handling of the wagon vs. the sedan. The wagon obviously has more cargo room, but other than that it is a sedan at heart.
So that’s the background...here are my thoughts:
1) Over-riding difference is the personality of the two cars. The Viggen is much more of a "fun" car. It has a harsher feel and not all the appointments of the 9-5. It’s a raw experience. In a lot of ways I like that. I really feel like I am driving a sports car and need to pay attention. The aero is more subtle, but equally capable.
2) Aero has better handling. Now that said you could easily add stiffer springs and the Viggen Rescue kit and stiffen and flatten the Viggen. The aero's handling was the #1 reason that I was converted.
3) They are equally nimble. The aero is heavier, and you can feel it, but it handles quick turns well without any roll - much less role than the stock Viggen.
4) Brakes - Viggen brakes are better in my opinion.
5) 0-60 - Viggen is quicker, but the torque steer is much more evident. This is really where you can tell that the Viggen is lighter.
6) Stereo - The Harmon Kardon stereo in the 9-5 is fantastic.
7) Seats - Viggen seats are a bit better even though they are similar seats. I wish I could have the Viggen seats in my aero.
So to answer your questions - the aero feels bigger and heavier, but more stable and lower to the ground (not sure if it actually is lower). If I had my choice on a twisty road I would choose the aero. That said I would be equally happy to have either one in my garage and some days I wish I got another Viggen and some days I don't.
Bottom-Line:
My #1 reason for loving the Viggen was its uniqueness and character - this car gets attention and is really a blast to drive in a harsh/raw way. This is important to me -- If I could have gotten a Lightening Blue 5 door when I bought the aero I would have chosen another Viggen over the aero.
My #1 reason for choosing the aero over a second Viggen was handling. Just lob a few hard turns at about 40 mph and you will see what I mean.
posted by 12.239.19...
_______________________________________ Current: 1999 Saab Viggen Other Saabs Owned: 2000 Saab 9-3 Viggen 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero Other Current Rides: 2015 MB GL63 AMG 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Custom & Lifted 2011 Audi R8 V10 Spyder 6MT 2011 Bentley Supersports W12 2007 Honda CRV
, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 10:02:50, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 18:27:40 <-- Viewing This Message, Fri, 7 Feb 2003 11:53:19
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