Saab or Volvo?
Discussion
Both have a bit of a cult following here on PH but which do you favour? Growing up in the 1980s, I never had much interest in Volvos. Safe and built like tanks but on the whole pretty dull. However, then this (quite possibly still my favourite Volvo) came along and Volvos became quite cool!
They followed this up with some more very handsome designs, which LOOKED quite sporty, perhaps even if they weren't.
As practical, comfortable family haulers go, the XC90 is also arguably one of the best.
The turbocharged 5-cylinder petrols have always had some appeal to me and as diesels go, the 5-cylinder D5 is mildly interesting too in a sea of boring 4-pot diesels but although Volvo seem to be getting their design mojo back with cars like the XC90/S90/V90, the current line-up, especially the S60 are a little awkward-looking to my eyes.
On the other hand, I have had a soft spot for Saabs ever since the 99/Classic 900 and a classic 900 turbo is still on my list of cars to own one day. Perhaps the original 9-3 on its Vauxhall Cavalier chassis wasn't that great but I still liked the distinctive looks and the power from the turbocharged, petrol engines. I never cared that much for the original 9-5 (although I know the 9-5 Aero is a bit of a PH favourite and by all accounts very comfortable and pretty quick) but compared to the conformity of a 5-Series/E-Class/A6, I love the look of these but would I be ballsy enough to get one (parts availability would concern me on a relatively rare car)?
Despite the relative lack of diversity then in the Saab range (which was perhaps the reason for their demise rather than any inherent failings in their cars), on balance, I would choose Saab.
They followed this up with some more very handsome designs, which LOOKED quite sporty, perhaps even if they weren't.
As practical, comfortable family haulers go, the XC90 is also arguably one of the best.
The turbocharged 5-cylinder petrols have always had some appeal to me and as diesels go, the 5-cylinder D5 is mildly interesting too in a sea of boring 4-pot diesels but although Volvo seem to be getting their design mojo back with cars like the XC90/S90/V90, the current line-up, especially the S60 are a little awkward-looking to my eyes.
On the other hand, I have had a soft spot for Saabs ever since the 99/Classic 900 and a classic 900 turbo is still on my list of cars to own one day. Perhaps the original 9-3 on its Vauxhall Cavalier chassis wasn't that great but I still liked the distinctive looks and the power from the turbocharged, petrol engines. I never cared that much for the original 9-5 (although I know the 9-5 Aero is a bit of a PH favourite and by all accounts very comfortable and pretty quick) but compared to the conformity of a 5-Series/E-Class/A6, I love the look of these but would I be ballsy enough to get one (parts availability would concern me on a relatively rare car)?
Despite the relative lack of diversity then in the Saab range (which was perhaps the reason for their demise rather than any inherent failings in their cars), on balance, I would choose Saab.
I had a vauxhall once. Sorry twice. They were awful.
Volvo for me. Had an S60 D5 as a rental, it was fabulous. But. Give me the keys to a griffin or aero of old lancia-fiat collaboration or earlier and I would be tempted.
Come to think about it. Volvos became good around the same time saabs became s
t.
Volvo for me. Had an S60 D5 as a rental, it was fabulous. But. Give me the keys to a griffin or aero of old lancia-fiat collaboration or earlier and I would be tempted.
Come to think about it. Volvos became good around the same time saabs became s
t. I've had both, quite similar cars too.
Saab was 9-3 Aero 2.8T manual
Volvo was a Facelift S60 2.4 T5 manual
They were both good cars that gave me no bother, the Saab was interesting but the Volvo was by far the better car in terms of build etc. Both were mapped, both were very fast in a straight line and both were terrible in the corners!
Saab was 9-3 Aero 2.8T manual
Volvo was a Facelift S60 2.4 T5 manual
They were both good cars that gave me no bother, the Saab was interesting but the Volvo was by far the better car in terms of build etc. Both were mapped, both were very fast in a straight line and both were terrible in the corners!
7 Saabs, 4 Volvos
All 7 Saabs - never a problem.
1 x Volvo was the biggest heap of S**t I've ever come across (an S40)
Driving experience? Saab every time. Volvo did the job of going from A to B, but that was it. The Saab did it in style.
And Saab 9000 Carlsson v a Volvo T5R? Still the Saab, even if it was a bit of a botch up.
All 7 Saabs - never a problem.
1 x Volvo was the biggest heap of S**t I've ever come across (an S40)
Driving experience? Saab every time. Volvo did the job of going from A to B, but that was it. The Saab did it in style.
And Saab 9000 Carlsson v a Volvo T5R? Still the Saab, even if it was a bit of a botch up.
Hoofy said:
philmots said:
terrible in the corners!
In what way? My S60 isn't like an Elise and mini roundabouts make you look like you've just passed your driving test but there's nothing wrong in terms of handling.
Agree 100% on both pointsNegotiating a mini roundabout meant stopping and performing a 3 point turn half way through... And I'm not talking about doing a full loop - that's just going straight!
And my 2000 S60 on 17" wheels had less lean in the bends than similarly sized Fords/BMWs that I've driven, even though they're usually regarded as better.
My issue was that it felt numb. You could take a hairpin bend at 80mph and fall asleep half way through.
Edited by R E S T E C P on Thursday 25th August 16:42
2 Saabs, 2 Volvos.
Both Saabs were poor for reliability (the latter one - a 2005 2.0t was the worst car I have ever owned).
One Volvo (the latter one - 04 S40 2.0D with the ford engine was the second worst car I've ever owned).
The other Volvo (S70T5) was undoubtedly the best car ever.
On the basis of previous experience if asked to choose between them I'd go Mercedes. If they were really the only two options it would be Volvo as at least one was good.
Both Saabs were poor for reliability (the latter one - a 2005 2.0t was the worst car I have ever owned).
One Volvo (the latter one - 04 S40 2.0D with the ford engine was the second worst car I've ever owned).
The other Volvo (S70T5) was undoubtedly the best car ever.
On the basis of previous experience if asked to choose between them I'd go Mercedes. If they were really the only two options it would be Volvo as at least one was good.
My first - and when I sell it - last Saab
Bought it because I wanted to scratch an itch having driven the estate model of the car I now own on a frozen Swedish lake.
It's a 9-3 Turbo X, V6 4WD remapped to 320bhp and masses of torque. Surprising amount of oomph in 3rd gear which I love. Relatively cheap to run, but has been costly in repairs which is bad luck rather than bad manufacturing.
Nothing from the current or recent Volvo range would tempt me, other than a V90 which is a completely different proposition.
Bought it because I wanted to scratch an itch having driven the estate model of the car I now own on a frozen Swedish lake.
It's a 9-3 Turbo X, V6 4WD remapped to 320bhp and masses of torque. Surprising amount of oomph in 3rd gear which I love. Relatively cheap to run, but has been costly in repairs which is bad luck rather than bad manufacturing.
Nothing from the current or recent Volvo range would tempt me, other than a V90 which is a completely different proposition.
R E S T E C P said:
And my 2000 S60 on 17" wheels had less lean in the bends than similarly sized Fords/BMWs that I've driven, even though they're usually regarded as better.
My issue was that it felt numb. You could take a hairpin bend at 80mph and fall asleep half way through.
My issue was that it felt numb. You could take a hairpin bend at 80mph and fall asleep half way through.
Edited by R E S T E C P on Thursday 25th August 16:42
Is there an option for a bit of both?
I've fond memories of 740/940 Volvos from when I was a nipper - the seats in the boot and fighting over the built in booster seat. I also had my first 'turbo' experience in a 9000 Aero.
My first Swede was a 9000 (2.3FPT) and still remains the best all rounder car I've had, the 9-3s I've had since definitely aren't in the same league, although still 'Saab' enough for me.
I've only ever owned one Volvo, a V70 (1998 2.5T flavour) and also really liked it, certainly wouldn't hesitate to have another if I could find one in the same spec. Although, not sure about the turning circle comments, I don't remember any issues at roundabouts or car parks.
I've fond memories of 740/940 Volvos from when I was a nipper - the seats in the boot and fighting over the built in booster seat. I also had my first 'turbo' experience in a 9000 Aero.
My first Swede was a 9000 (2.3FPT) and still remains the best all rounder car I've had, the 9-3s I've had since definitely aren't in the same league, although still 'Saab' enough for me.
I've only ever owned one Volvo, a V70 (1998 2.5T flavour) and also really liked it, certainly wouldn't hesitate to have another if I could find one in the same spec. Although, not sure about the turning circle comments, I don't remember any issues at roundabouts or car parks.
Adding to the driving experience debate -
First-gen S60 is competent but dull. You can go round corners at a surprising lick (often faster than some supposedly better-handling cars!) but it'll never be exciting doing so. It's a big front-driver with a lot of grip, you can follow from there how much fun it'll be.
850s get better each year. Early ones suffer from gloopy steering and everything having this weird layer of vagueness, the last models shortly before they changed to the V70/S70 nameplate are really nice and well-sorted. If I had to buy a cheap shed then a well looked after late 850 would be very high up the list.
The Ford C1/Focus platform cars (C30/S40/etc) are fantastic. Especially with the lighter engines. The main criticism is that the limits in them are so stupidly high you won't get near them on the road unless you're a sociopath. Still enjoyable at normal speeds, though. In a contrast to the 850 progression, the new V40 isn't as good - it's okay but feels a bit disconnected.
And finally, the classic 240. Handling was not fitted as an option at the factory. Turn the wheel and it'll go in a direction, don't ask for any more than that and you'll be happy. It's not as if most of them have enough of a power-to-weight ratio to get you in any trouble! Tons of character, though.
First-gen S60 is competent but dull. You can go round corners at a surprising lick (often faster than some supposedly better-handling cars!) but it'll never be exciting doing so. It's a big front-driver with a lot of grip, you can follow from there how much fun it'll be.
850s get better each year. Early ones suffer from gloopy steering and everything having this weird layer of vagueness, the last models shortly before they changed to the V70/S70 nameplate are really nice and well-sorted. If I had to buy a cheap shed then a well looked after late 850 would be very high up the list.
The Ford C1/Focus platform cars (C30/S40/etc) are fantastic. Especially with the lighter engines. The main criticism is that the limits in them are so stupidly high you won't get near them on the road unless you're a sociopath. Still enjoyable at normal speeds, though. In a contrast to the 850 progression, the new V40 isn't as good - it's okay but feels a bit disconnected.
And finally, the classic 240. Handling was not fitted as an option at the factory. Turn the wheel and it'll go in a direction, don't ask for any more than that and you'll be happy. It's not as if most of them have enough of a power-to-weight ratio to get you in any trouble! Tons of character, though.
Hoofy said:
philmots said:
terrible in the corners!
In what way? My S60 isn't like an Elise and mini roundabouts make you look like you've just passed your driving test but there's nothing wrong in terms of handling.It was reasonably well balanced front/rear but there was not enough outright grip, it was very soft and wallowy and basically inspired no confidence to push at all in the corners, turning in fast was a guess. It just wasn't sorted enough for a T5, even at the standard 260hp.
But, driving more normally and just as a car it was great, it was hugely comfy and effortless. One of my favourites mainly because of its character, but ultimately it just wasn't capable enough for what I wanted.
philmots said:
Hoofy said:
philmots said:
terrible in the corners!
In what way? My S60 isn't like an Elise and mini roundabouts make you look like you've just passed your driving test but there's nothing wrong in terms of handling.It was reasonably well balanced front/rear but there was not enough outright grip, it was very soft and wallowy and basically inspired no confidence to push at all in the corners, turning in fast was a guess. It just wasn't sorted enough for a T5, even at the standard 260hp.
But, driving more normally and just as a car it was great, it was hugely comfy and effortless. One of my favourites mainly because of its character, but ultimately it just wasn't capable enough for what I wanted.
"Fortunately", I only have about 200bhp to play with.
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