How do you think the 3.0 quattro w/sports would perform compared to the new SAAB 9-3 Vector??
03-16-2003, 02:29 PM
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How do you think the 3.0 quattro w/sports would perform compared to the new SAAB 9-3 Vector??
The new 9-3 Vector is out soon in the US and Canada. It's 210 hp turbo with 221 lb ft of torque at 2500 rpms. The car is pretty loaded and the reviews state the torque steer and turbo lag is virtually absent. The car comes in a 6 speed with all the control stuff you get with the Audi too...traction control, ABS dynamic stability control etc. The car is only about 3300 pounds as well. I currently have a 2002 1.8t and considering the 3.0 or the SAAB Vector. Do you think the 3.0 with sports and 6 speed manual will be as much fun to drive? I'm also concerned about fuel economy. I like the idea of a smaller engine with turbo for performance plus economy. Is the 3.0 a pig on gas? Finally the price on the SAAB Vector loaded (without nav) is $48,200CDN vs the 3.0 at about $52,000CDN. Comments please folks.
03-16-2003, 02:40 PM
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They are geared for different people
IMO, the Vector is extremely overpriced. I priced one out at 37-38K.
I am really not a fan of the new 9-3. Granted it does have it's positives, but switching to a GM designed aluminum block ecotec was one of the worst moves they made. It's also a sedan now, which puts it in with much stiffer competition.
I feel like when I'm in an A4, the car is doing what I'm asking of it. In the 9-3, I feel like I'm guiding it, but it chooses it's path.
Mike
I am really not a fan of the new 9-3. Granted it does have it's positives, but switching to a GM designed aluminum block ecotec was one of the worst moves they made. It's also a sedan now, which puts it in with much stiffer competition.
I feel like when I'm in an A4, the car is doing what I'm asking of it. In the 9-3, I feel like I'm guiding it, but it chooses it's path.
Mike
03-16-2003, 02:56 PM
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Can't say much about the vector, but my 3.0 averages around 20-23mpg depending on my driving style.
It's fun to drive, but I bet it would be a lot better with the 6spd.
I'm not big fan of turbos, so that's why I've always been normally aspirated. I will take more torque over slightly better fuel economy any day.
I'm not big fan of turbos, so that's why I've always been normally aspirated. I will take more torque over slightly better fuel economy any day.
03-16-2003, 03:01 PM
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I was pretty sold on the 9-3 until I went for a test drive...
and came back in a tow truck. Indeed, the legendary Saab stories live on in the next generation 9-3. I also didn't care for the quality of their interior plastics - felt cheap and scratched easily.
but waiting for the arrival of my 3.0 (see sig for details)
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03-16-2003, 03:24 PM
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The return hose blew off the radiator and dumped coolant all over the exhaust...
I was cruising on the highway at the time so the smoke was pretty spectacular. Local dealer (Saturn) claimed the hose blew off due to a poor vehicle delivery inspection. On hearing this I searched around on the The Saab Network Site and uncovered similar stories. Concluded that the Saturn service guys know little when it comes to these cars. Starting looking at other brands.
03-16-2003, 04:40 PM
#10
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3.0 eats gas...17.6 MPG for me.
I drive reasonable quick..not punchin it or redlining all the time..and still the consumption is terrible. I do city and highway mix