2003 Saab 9-3 - READ ONLY

185 messages, Last post on Nov 04, 2002 at 6:21 AM

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What is this discussion about? Saab 9-3, BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Sedan

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#71 of 185 New 9-3 by onboost91 Sep 10, 2002 (11:06 am)
I was playing around on the 9-3 build site and I made up a Steel Gray Vector and I gotta say...I love the styling! I really can't wait to see one in person. Is Saab planning on releasing an AWD version in the future? The Infiniti G35 is rumoured to be getting AWD at some point and if they price out the same it'll be interesting to compare the two. -Finn
#72 of 185 by magnetophone Sep 10, 2002 (1:20 pm)
onboost, I believe so. It would be a logical choice, because the Epsilon platform it was based on was designed to take AWD easily. My guess it that this capability was designed for Saab and Alfa more so than Chevy and Opel.
#73 of 185 by logic1 Sep 10, 2002 (6:20 pm)
Oh, I think every version of the 9-3 will be sporty compared to most cars. But I would pop the 1.8k for the sports chassis. I believe the awd will be reserved for the 9-3x.
#74 of 185 by onboost91 Sep 11, 2002 (5:02 am)
"I believe the awd will be reserved for the 9-3x." That would be a shame in my opinion. For the money it seems that the new 9-3 would be an excellent choice over the Audi. From the pictures I've seen the 9-3x is a totally different class of vehicle and probably not going to appeal to those looking for stylish, sporty sedan with all weather capabilities (I live in the Northeast and my wife is an awful winter driver).
#75 of 185 Re: Hatchback by dudleyr Sep 11, 2002 (6:20 am)
SAAB could have had their cake and eaten it too. The could have used the exact same body style they have now and still made it a hatchback. Just put the hinges at the top of the rear window instead of the bottom. Sure there may be some reinforcing necessary, but that would be no problem.
#76 of 185 is it so hard? by beartrax79 Sep 11, 2002 (9:58 am)
I have to agree on the sadness over the lack of AWD on the new 9-3. I'd love the sportier pseudo-luxury car with that option. I'm not a big fan of Audi overall (especially with the new booty on the A4 line - it's just hard to look at). A friend of mine has an IS300 that he swears by in winter driving here in Colorado, but I'm just not convinced that RWD will do any good here. Thus, I've began looking at this new 9-3. I've played with the manumatics before and I like it alot (please spare the manual/automatic debate), especially with paddles. So, this leaves the Passat (almost an Audi anyway), the BMWs (too darn expensive), and now the 9-3 in my sights... which is why I'm so curious on the Vector chassis. Is it so hard to ask for a good handling luxury sports sedan that's also good in the snow? Onboost, any clue as to the release of the AWD G35?
#77 of 185 by onboost91 Sep 11, 2002 (10:27 am)
I've been lurking around on the G35 boards in various places and it sounds like the sedan might get AWD in the spring of 2003, around the same time that the 6 speed manual comes out for it. I _really_ like the looks of the Saab, but it might be hard to beat an AWD equipped G35 as an all-weather luxury sport cruiser.
#78 of 185 Chicago Tribune Speculation by beartrax79 Sep 11, 2002 (11:05 am)
"A 6-speed manual is coming, first in the 350Z due out this summer, then the G35 coupe coming this fall and finally in February in the sedan, when, speculation is, the G35 may offer AWD. The 3.5 is smooth and potent, but the G35 is designed primarily for sure-footed handling and above-average performance while sticking to the pavement." http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/columnists/chi-0206150299jun16.column
#79 of 185 by dudleyr Sep 11, 2002 (11:22 am)
Any luxury/sport sedan is good in the snow if it has 4 snow tires. A Front wheel drive SAAB with traction control and snow tires will trounce an AWD w/ all seasons in the snow. Of course AWD w/ snows is better still.
#80 of 185 by logic1 Sep 11, 2002 (12:40 pm)
I agree with dudleyr. The fwd 9-3 with snow tires will meet most people's snow needs. Saab has always been an fwd company. Going awd may pick up some new buyers, but how many Saab loyalists would it turn off?