Saab or Volvo?
Discussion
Volvo for me.
I had a Saab 9-5 circa 2002. I can't really give an informed opinion on it as it was blessed with the hateful turd that was the 2.2tid lump. A characterless, painful lump of an engine that ticked all the diesel cliches - noisy, narrow power band, smoky, and generally s
t. The car was faultless for a long time to be fair, but it was just bland.
I now have a Volvo V70 2.4t manual. Great car. Feels more premium than the Saab ever did - better screwed together and a much nicer cabin. I agree with the comments on handling, it doesn't inspire confidence through the corners, always feels like it's going to plough on. That said I didn't buy it as a sports car! It fits the bill for what it was designed to do - carry large loads and waft me about in comfort, and at an acceptable pace when required.
I'd have another Saab, but would have to be an Aero. And I'd have another Volvo in a heart beat. If I had to choose, I'd go Volvo.
I had a Saab 9-5 circa 2002. I can't really give an informed opinion on it as it was blessed with the hateful turd that was the 2.2tid lump. A characterless, painful lump of an engine that ticked all the diesel cliches - noisy, narrow power band, smoky, and generally s
t. The car was faultless for a long time to be fair, but it was just bland. I now have a Volvo V70 2.4t manual. Great car. Feels more premium than the Saab ever did - better screwed together and a much nicer cabin. I agree with the comments on handling, it doesn't inspire confidence through the corners, always feels like it's going to plough on. That said I didn't buy it as a sports car! It fits the bill for what it was designed to do - carry large loads and waft me about in comfort, and at an acceptable pace when required.
I'd have another Saab, but would have to be an Aero. And I'd have another Volvo in a heart beat. If I had to choose, I'd go Volvo.
Volvo. Have an s60 2.4t which I should really sell but it seems to be worth pittance and maybe more useful as a spare car. Great car, quick and comfy and a fine handler for what it is but obviously not fun.
My S60R is pretty quick and even more comfy but with the stiff suspension setting can actually be a bit of fun although unlikely to break traction often/ever.
All the R and Polestar Volvos are pretty cool imo.
Saabs for me are slightly plush Vectras although I love the old 900turbo.
My S60R is pretty quick and even more comfy but with the stiff suspension setting can actually be a bit of fun although unlikely to break traction often/ever.
All the R and Polestar Volvos are pretty cool imo.
Saabs for me are slightly plush Vectras although I love the old 900turbo.
SAAB for me, barring putting it on its roof I'll be keeping this a long time:
Absolutely loved my 9000 though, ballistic. Pic next to the 9-3 I replaced it with (good move that one)
My old 3.0 v6t 9-5 Griffin (really should have gone for the Aero but was great on the motoway, very comfy and went ok just couldn't do a lot with the v6 so swapped for the E55 AMG)
Do have a soft spot for some Volvos though, 850R estate & S60R on the bucket list. S60R seems a decent car.
Absolutely loved my 9000 though, ballistic. Pic next to the 9-3 I replaced it with (good move that one)
My old 3.0 v6t 9-5 Griffin (really should have gone for the Aero but was great on the motoway, very comfy and went ok just couldn't do a lot with the v6 so swapped for the E55 AMG)
Do have a soft spot for some Volvos though, 850R estate & S60R on the bucket list. S60R seems a decent car.
Having scratched the Fast Volvo itch with a V70 T6, I won't be buying any more Volvos. Great engine and a huge boot, let down by everything else. Always thought I'd like to have a go in a 850 T5 or similar, but can't really be arsed any more. Have had plenty of drives in XC90s, inc a V8, and other than the noise of the V8, don't understand what the fuss is about.
Used to drive my mate's dad's 900T16S a lot in the late-80s - thoroughly enjoyable at the time, and I'd like to keep that as a good memory. Otherwise, I'd always thought a late 9-3 Aero might be an enjoyable bit of cheap motoring.
But really, neither SAAB or Volvo are on the highlights or hit list.
Used to drive my mate's dad's 900T16S a lot in the late-80s - thoroughly enjoyable at the time, and I'd like to keep that as a good memory. Otherwise, I'd always thought a late 9-3 Aero might be an enjoyable bit of cheap motoring.
But really, neither SAAB or Volvo are on the highlights or hit list.
Never owned a Volvo but own a Saab 9-5 Aero Estate. I did test drive a V70 T5 but the Saab edged it on speed, interior and exterior quality. The volvo had better brakes and slightly better handling which is irrelevant because I wanted a comfy big estate for long journeys. Did 4000 problem free miles in my Saab over 16 days across Europe and was strong as an ox. They are both very similar though so it is up to the persons opinion. Obviously Saab no longer exists so its replacement will most likely be a v60.
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