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There were a couple of annoying weaknesses (by Saab standards) that were corrected in the 9-3: upper strut mounts and seating comfort come to mind (the latter being a matter of personal taste, of course). Then there's the absence of the non-turbo 2.3 motor in the 9-3 and the hydraulic clutch versus the cable clutch, both of which also apply to the 1998 NG. For reason's I can never understand or explain, the 2.0 version of the motor has had fewer reports of chain problems than the 2.3, even though the engines are virtually identical.
*** digression *** All the chain problems are related to lubrication issues - the chain internals suffer from abrasive wear (dirt in the oil). Later chains (Japanese, with solid rollers versus split rollers) are much more wear resistant, but with clean and proper viscosity oil, the old chains will last far longer than with sloppy maintenance preocedures. Further improvements in the 9-3 and 9-5 design includes softer valve springs - due to lighter valves - which reduces the load in the timing chain. The 9-3 SS motor has roller lifters to further reduce the loads in the chain.
*** end digression ***
In the end analysis, though, the NG and 9-3 are more the same than they are different. The NG reliability is good and gets better with later models, and the 9-3 is better still. The basic workings are the same. The safety record of both is excellent and nearly equal, despite some body strenghening designed to improve standardized crash test scores.
As with any used car, the condition and maintenance history of a specific car is probably more important than the original design, and becomes ever more so as time passes.
posted by 24.166.84...
, Mon, 16 Jun 2003 10:43:37, Mon, 16 Jun 2003 13:28:12
, Sat, 14 Jun 2003 13:31:45
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