Everytime I get back in the SAAB after driving the Volvo, I realize why I like the SAAB so much, even though I'm envious of those with turbo and a manual tranny!

Can anyone speculate why the Saab kicks the Volvo's butt at altitude?

We moved to Denver, CO recently. I've been mostly driving the SAAB on my weekend excursions to the mountains. Today I took the Volvo. Both cars lose power at altitude, but man - the Volvo is a DOG at altitude! Going through the Eisenhower Tunnel on I-70 (11,000 ft), and over Vail Pass (10,000'), I was barely managing 50 - screaming in 2nd gear and bogging down in third. I did have 3 people in the car today, but I've done this alone and the car was still struggling - much more so than the SAAB. I can usually keep the saab at 55 going through the tunnel, and rarely have to dip into second (second takes you pretty far in the auto). And, I can still manage unsafe speeds in the Saab on the hairpins on Loveland Pass (11,992').

Here are the stats on both cars:
'97 Volvo 850, '97 900S - no turbo on either, and both are automatics :(

Volvo (a free hand-me-down): 2.5 5 cyl, 168 hp, 162 ft-lb, 95,000 miles
SAAB: 2.3 4 banger, 150 hp, 154 ft-lb, 115,000 miles.
Volvo is about 300lbs heavier. In acceleration and speed, it always seemed like the Vulva and the Saab were pretty evenly matched except in handling - evidently not at alititude, and the more I drive the Volvo, its evident that the Saab is quicker all around.

P.S. A friend with a Viggen does Vail Pass and the E Tunnel in 5th gear. Can't wait until its the right time for us to get that 9-5 wagon with ECU upgrade! Not now...save money...be responsible!

posted by 24.9.15...

• Why is our 900S faster than our Volvo 850 at altitude?, BrianD, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 18:05:51 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Why is our 900S faster than our Volvo 850 at altitude?, Cryptical, Tue, 16 Dec 2003 07:30:37
  • Thanks folks - great answers! Tractor! nm, BrianD, Mon, 15 Dec 2003 19:59:15
  • Re: Why is our 900S faster than our Volvo 850 at altitude?, MO, Mon, 15 Dec 2003 14:55:05
  • Powertrain Package, Atul, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:52:52
    • Cylinders, Pa Taket, Mon, 15 Dec 2003 04:48:30
      • 4's sing, 5's thrash...., Mike Lynch , Mon, 15 Dec 2003 11:11:26
  • 300 lbs is the difference (-), Vlad, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:27:00
    • But HP to Weight is almost the same for both, BrianD, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 19:45:25
  • 'cause it is a better car...:) n/m, kooch, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 18:16:36
    • Tractor vs. Aeroplane. nm, Simon S, Mon, 15 Dec 2003 16:27:38

No Site Registration is Required to Post - Site Membership is optional (Member Features List), but helps to keep the site online
for all Saabers. If the site helps you, please consider helping the site by becoming a member.

• Prev by Date: (none)
• Next by Date: there you go. pulling the..., kooch, Sun, 14 Dec 2003 18:15:53
• Main General Bulletin Board

StateOfNine.com

SaabClub.com

Jak Stoll Performance

M Car Covers

Ad Available

The content on this site may not be republished without permission. Copyright © 1988-2024 - The Saab Network - saabnet.com.
For usage guidelines, see the Mission & Privacy Notice.
[Contact | Site Map | Saabnet.com on Facebook | Saabnet.com on Twitter | Shop Amazon via TSN | Site Donations]

Random Saabnet.com Member Gallery Photos (Click Image)