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Yesterday, while our 2000 base 9-5 was in for some warranty work, we got a 2004 9-3 Linear as a loaner car. The 9-3 very much surprised us for a variety or reasons, and after driving the 9-3 and comparing it to the new 9-5 prices and specs (we have not driven the new 9-5), we would question whether the 9-5 is worth the pricing differentials (ranging from $3,605 Arc to $6,332 Aero re invoice price differences versus the comparable 9-3 models). Our observations were as follows:
1. Other than in overall length (7.5 inch difference), and rear seat legroom (1.5 inch difference), the external and internal dimensions of the two cars are not all that much different. Despite the 7.5 inch difference in length, the wheelbases of the two cars are only 1.1 inches apart, which probably accounts for the good ride of the 9-3. The historic difference between the Classic 900/NG900 and the 9000s in terms of dimensions is no longer the case between the 9-3SS and the 9-5.
2. 9-3 has a quieter engine with less vibration at idle, a much cheaper looking interior, and a far worse sounding radio than the 9-5.
Have the newer (2003/2004) 9-5 radios been cheapened as much as the 9-SS radios appear to have been?
3. 9-3 Linear handles far better than our 2000 9-5, but how does it handle versus the newer 2003/204 9-5s?
4. 9-3 has a 2 foot shorter turning radius, a trunk that is only 0.9 cubic feet smaller than the 9-5. It is 270 pounds lighter than the 9-5 and gets about 2 MPG (per the EPA) better mileage than the 9-5.
So, fellow Saabophiles, given the above observations, and incorporating your personal observations between the 9-3 and 9-5, and in view of the aforementioned pricing differential, is the 9-5 worth the higher price??? Particularly in view of the closeness of these two cars in both interior and most of the exterior (other than length) dimensions. Granted the 9-5 has a longer proven track record of reliability, and a proven bulletproof engine and trans, but which car would you buy if you had to buy now (we will have to buy within 6 months, thus our interest in this issue).
posted by 67.82.4...
, Thu, 18 Mar 2004 18:38:09
, Thu, 18 Mar 2004 18:11:34
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