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Two Different Cars with Same Badge Posted by Nick [Email]  (#227) [Profile/Gallery]
(more from Nick) on Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:48:03
In Reply to: 9-3SS Driving Impressions, James D, Mon, 24 Nov 2003 07:46:29 Members do not see ads below this line. - Help Keep This Site Online - Signup |
After reading this board for 5+ years now it's funny how people compare old models with new ones. The C900 people bashed the NG900's when they first came out, the 9000 owners bashed the 9-5's and now the NG900/9-3 owners critique the 9-3ss with equal vigor. Don't get me wrong, your points are well made.
After owning both, my comparison is this:
The 9-3 is versatile, comfortable and peppy car that has a lot of character. The hatchback fits cargo that BMW, Audi, Passat and the 9-3ss need a rental truck to carry. The car's height and seat position is high giving good view of the road while the smaller windows have that airplane feel. One friend commented while sitting in the rear that it had Piper single prop. feel to it. The engine is a bit slow off the line, but excels once into second gear. Punch it on the freeway and you're at 90 in no time. Of course, all you 9-3 owners already know this. The handling however is less desirable. The car leans in turns and the suspension set-up is not condusive to the car's height/weight ratio. This is why there are so many after market suspension kits which try to help keep the 9-3 stable on curvy roads. The car is not well insulated either. Road/wind noise is very noticable. Also the brakes are merely adequate. Again, aftermaret brakes are suggested by all to improve the 9-3's shortcoming. Remember, the 9-3 is a design from 1990 that came out as the NG900 and was slightly modified into the 9-3.
The 2003 9-3ss is just that - a sport SEDAN. No versatile hatchback, so you have similar trunk opening/space as the othe sedans out there. You can't fit the T.V., camping gear or coffee table that the 9-3 could. This car is lower and wider than the 9-3, giving it a more stable stance right of the bat, plus the suspension is better as well. Handling of this car is great and makes the 9-3 feel like a sled in comparison. The 9-3ss has great brakes, better than the perfomance ones I added on my 9-3. Sitting inside is a different feel as well. You feel like you're in a modern car. The lay out is more open than the 9-3 and everything looks like a car designed by modern technology. Even the key position in the center is better as it is not too close to the passenger (like the 9-3) where it won't be bumped. You do sit lower in the 9-3ss, but it flows with whole cars lower/sportier feel. The engine is smoother and quieter. I also noticed a slight difference in power through the gears. I think this is due to the 5speed auto vs. the 4spd. in the 9-3. The 9-3 seems to have the power more compressed int the gears thus resulting in a more jolting power surge. The 9-3ss however has an illusion of less power as it smoothly accelerated with a slamming effect. Ironically, the 9-3ss is just as fast as the 9-3 and when you put in manual mode it adds a funner and more aggresive aspect. The stereo/speaker set-up is better than the 9-3 as well. In-dash six disc cd-changer 7-10 speakers etc..
I traded in my 1999 9-3 because it just felt old compared to the 9-3ss. I was contemplating adding new springs, shocks (koni), roll bars (front and back), sport rotors/pads, bushings and new rims and tires if I was going to keep the 9-3. I really wanted the car to handle better. For that money I have a new car with better handling and braking than the 9-3 could have even after all those additions. After all, you trying to modify a design from 1990 that has many body flaws as well. Do I miss the hatchback? Yes, but the driving benefits of the 9-3ss out way the extra boxes in the back of the 9-3 - at last for me. I can always barrow my friends F-150 when I need more cargo room;-)
So, to me the two cars are tottaly different. One a versatile fun hatchback with poor handling/brakes and older technlogy. The other a SEDAN, with great handling/ brakes and new technolgy fronm the ground up. It, like most things, is a matter of preference. I wonder how 9-3 owners will react if/when Saab combines the new 9-3ss with a hatchback?
As for GM's infulence, I'm glad Saab has GM's money, research, parts and global distribution access. If you've ever owned a C900, you'd know how hard it can be to get parts. GM's racing and performance technolgy, (Corvette) and off road ventures (Trucks and Suburu) opens a new door for Saab and it's future.
Just my observations...
1980 900T 5door (RIP)
1999 9-3 SE
2003 9-3SS LOADED
posted by 65.28.139...
, Mon, 24 Nov 2003 13:48:03 <-- Viewing This Message
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