Re: Volvo S40 Vs. Saab 93 (taiger)

I have owned three Saabs, '74, '76, & '78. The '78 99 Saab turbo, the first turbo for Saab did cause me trouble in the unreliability of the cam shaft, two in less than 80,000 miles. I own a 2000 S40 with 104,000 miles, and have experienced no surprises with only minor correction recalls/the factory.

From a pure safety standpoint, the IIHS [Insurance Institute of Highway Safety] tests of these vehicles on a side-collision and dymanic test of the head restraints, put the Saab 3 in the forefront with 100% passing marks, vs some internal injuries to the Volvo driver dummy. All other mechanical track-handling-braking tests I will leave up to your investigation. http://********************/smile/emcocktl.gif

 

Re: Volvo S40 Vs. Saab 93 (jone)

i was considering a saab over the summer so i tested ever engine for the range. even the 5 speed 2.0T was unimpressive. i just dont remember saying wow this is quick. and for a 30k plus so called "lux" sedan, ud think it should be somewhat quick and it just wasnt. it wasnt any faster than a base vw 1.8t. ive yet to drive the s40 but from what im told and what ive read, the t5 is no slouch. as for the inside, i did like the 2 tone leather and the instrumentation ur used to with saabs. and even if the cupholder isnt in a secure place, it sure is neat. i dunno, i have to say i enjoyed the inside of it. i sat in a base s40 and i liked it all just the same. that center console really is neat and i dig it. oh and if ur worried about price. i tested a fully loaded saab 93 aero at 38k........and the guy gave me a price of 32k without even a single haggle from me. u wont get that from volvo. id take the volvo personally, im looking to get an s40 once i sell my vw.

 

Re: Volvo S40 Vs. Saab 93 (taiger)

Its funny, but I recently gave this same topic a lot of thought as I started to notice the 9-3 more and more and how cool it really looked. There are only a few things I really can't stand about the Saab and that the super crowded cheapo looking interior. For that any car in the 30K plus range, I'd expect a lot more and certainly a better powertrain option.

Neither the Volvo or the Saab are meant to be race cars. They are both classy, stylish, very unique and I'm a dedicated Volvo fan, but I have to say if it wasnt for the interior of the Saab, I'd go for the 9-3 no question. Especially the Aero, that is such a smooth looking car its not even real anymore IMO

 

Re: Volvo S40 Vs. Saab 93 (Barry)

I also considered the 9-3, was concerend with comments from owners at Edmunds.com, and deep discounts worried some also. Also, the S40 seemed to me to be a better value