C&D Archives: Euro Sports Sedan Comparison - SAAB Content!

[Bob]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparisons ... rison-test

I am still in the process of reading this.

[kevm14]

The Viggen placed ahead of the C43 AMG! The Benz was highest price and the Viggen was the cheapest, so maybe that was a factor.

These four cars were all developed from advanced designs with sophisticated independent suspensions.

Please, tell me about the Saab's independent suspension. Oh, front? Yeah that was sophisticated. In the 40s.

[kevm14]

Highs:
Sexy-sounding, powerful V-8; beautifully crafted interior; ample road grip.

Lows:
Twitchy steering response, stratospheric price, stiff suspension that rides over bumps instead of absorbing them.

Verdict:
AMG rediscovers the 1960s Detroit muscle car.

It's mind blowing to think that only 15 years ago, Mercedes churned out the highest price car in the test, and with these characteristics. It's actually a great time to be a car enthusiast.

Also, it had a modest-by-today's-standards 302hp V8 (which blows away any other engine in the test). What's annoying is that GM wasn't on their game, because they could have made a Catera with an LS1. But in the late 90s, it wouldn't have been any good.

Still, it's interesting that in the late 90s, you could have bought a 305hp F-body for over $35k less than this Mercedes (an entry level C-class, by the way, not some fancy/large model), and it would have wiped the floor with it, with better fuel economy, too. I'm not sure we have such bargains today, in a relative sense. You could argue it's less important because of the absolute level we are at (minivans trapping mid 90s or higher?).

[Bob]

At least a modern C63 will hold its own against most modern Camaros.

[kevm14]

Not only is it slower than an LS1 F-body, it's a touch slower in the mph (and a lot in the ET) than even a 6 year old F-body. I think this is similar to the discussion on the other thread about how special the Buick GN was in the 80s, and how you just could not duplicate that formula today.

[kevm14]

The S4 weighs 3,618 lbs. I remember when that was heavy. Now it would be a monumental achievement.

Also, you realize how small these cars really are when the Viggen has "more accommodating" rear seats than an S4 sedan.

Speaking of the S4:

Prices haven't been set yet, but Audi hints the S4 Quattro will nose in under the M3’s $40,526 base price. With the options on our car—including a sunroof, heated seats, auto-dimming mirrors, and a CD changer (as well as an in-dash player)—it would likely come in at about $42,000. That's not easy on the wallet, but this is a very well-equipped car. Safety features such as a curtain-style head airbag for both front and rear passengers and four-wheel-drive security can't be ignored, either.

How much of a raging bargain is that 2014 Chevrolet SS now, at like $45k? It has way more features, the interior space is like a limo in comparison, and it's a totally higher performing car in every single respect (including feel, ride, handling). For only a tad more money 15 years later.

Great comment on the S4:

I was working at an Audi dealer when this S4 was available. Even new, the repairs were constant. I cannot imagine the upkeep 15 years later.

[Bob]

I am curious to see if the SS will have resale value like the G8 GXP or maybe more like a normal GM product.

[Fast_Ed]

The saab description is right on. I like this part: "One of the more exciting cars in the bunch, but not always for the right reasons,"

Yeah....