9-5 or 9-3

[Simon]

Anyone own or owned both models? Which did you prefer and why?

Simon.

[Guest]

I have driven both. Just purchased a 9-5.

It was a tough decision. I liked them both. The 9-5 is roomier, smoother, quieter, etc. The 9-3 is a bit sportier.

Would be great to have both. Someday I hope to also have a 9-3 rag top. Two Saabs in the garage, bliss.

[hfrb]

Hi. I'm on my third Saab. The first was a new 1995 900S, with standard transmission. It worked perfectly for 4 and a half years before I bought a used (with 34,000kms on it) 1997 900SE Turbo with automatic. I would still have it if the ABS Control Module hadn't failed. The repair bill would have been about $3000 (Canadian). I looked around at something new that I could afford (Honda/Toyota/etc.) but couldn't stand to 'move down'. I ordered the ABS module deciding that I would keep the SE. Then I saw an ad from my dealer in the newspaper for a 1999 9-5, base model.I loved it and bought it. That was only about a month and a half ago and it's had a few 'problems'. Fortunately I purchased an Extended Warranty. If it ever gets fixed (intermittent problem with the Check Engine and Check Gear Box warning lights)it'll be worth it. My wife calls it our 'posh car' and it really does feel great when driving.
Whichever model you choose (and they are very different as mentioned elsewhere) you won't go wrong.

[TwoSwedes]

I own both - an '02 9-5 Linar and an '03 9-3 Linear.

They are drastically different cars (although the 9-3 does have the Vector supension), the 9-5 being more obviously luxury biased.

The 9-5 has a much larger rear seat. I find the front seating to be roomier than the 9-5. i'm 6'8"; and am much more comfy than the 9-5.

Both engines are great performers; the 2.0t in the 9-3 though has much more of a push in your lower back. the 9-3's is a bit smoother, too.

if you want a backroad burner, get the 9-3. If you regularly carry 4 passengers, and a bit more luxurious ride, get a 9-5.

[deniss]

The 9-5 has a much larger rear seat. I find the front seating to be roomier than the 9-5. i'm 6'8"; and am much more comfy than the 9-5.

did you mean that the front seat on 9-3 is roomier??? Hm. That sounds rather unexpected to me.

Does 9-5 feel a lot bigger on the road? Does it feel more stable or less stable?

[deniss]

By the way, TwoSwedes, since you are in New Jersey too, is there a Saab dealer you can recommend from your experiences? Do you know a dealer that gives good discounts? :)

[TwoSwedes]

Yes, the front seat of the 3 is roomier.
Myself, and Iceben around here, both appreciate dealing with Larry at Shrewsbury Saab/VW. A wonderful, honest no BS salesman. He figures, if you like the car, you're gonna buy it if the numbers work. I have bought several cars from him. You don't have to go see a finance guy, or an add-on guy (exended warranties, fabric protection), or "the manager". One salesman handles everything.
On another note, Larry was hit by a VW in their lot and is recuperating in FL. He's 75; so he may just retire. In that case, I'm not buying another car!

[deniss]

oh what a shame... hope he's well.

[nyc 363]

While I have not owned both - I liked the look of new 9-3 I went to take a look and probably buy one - but wound up buying a 9-5 aero. Size is definitely a big factor. The 9-5 has a substantially more interior room. While the 9-3 is more sporty - I found the 9-5 aero to be a near perfect balance of sports, size and luxury. The Aero 250 hp engine is really magical. The one thing that really stood out on the 9-3 (from a couple of drives) was the suspension. The car just goes in the direction you point it - it drives like a smaller call than it actually is. I think it sets the bar for FWD cars. Speaking of NJ dealers - I bought mine from Andy at JMK - he is a nice guy, very easy to work with - was willing to talk prices on the phone as well.

[2Griffins]

I do own both and have the "sport" models of both. I own a 2002 9-5 Aero and a 2003 9-3 Vector, there are differences but also many similarities. The Vector feels more sporty....quicker, more nimble, it has a lighter feel. The 9-5 Aero has a little more solid feel, heavier, but still handles very well and is more powerful. The 9-5 Aero has a bigger car feel from inside but surprizingly not exaggerated compared to the 9-3 Vector. The 9-3 has a more updated feel to the interior and controls but ergonomics and function are surprizingly similar between the two. The 9-5 Aero has a much more pleasant engine sound like an Audi or Volvo 5cyl or even similar to a V6, whereas the 9-3 Vector has more of a 4cyl sound to it (I attribute this to the new aluminum block).....not so much the exhaust note but rather the engine heard from behind the wheel. Both are close on fuel economy with the Vector (not surprised) having a 1 to 2 mpg advantage around town. Brakes are similar on both cars with the 9-5 having a slight edge in performance and feel, the 9-3 feel is a bit more sensative and light.....both are astounding when compared to competitive German sedans. I like the sport seats in my 9-5 Aero only slightly better than the sport seats in my Vector, I think some would prefer the Vector seats for being a bit more firm. Both car are extremely quiet and solid on the road, on par IMO to any Mercedes or BMW.I have the Bi-Xenons on both cars and highly recommend them.I like the 6spd gearbox in the Vector the best. I think that about covers it.

[deniss]

i think i've decided i like the looks and the interior of the 9-3 a lot more. 9-5 looks just a tad "older" to me, put side-by-side with a 9-3... just my 0.02

i wanted to drive an aero 9-5 with manual the other day, but they didn't have it prepped. i think i shouldn't go for that drive, or i'll like the 9-5 engine :P hehe

[peterfreeth]

I've had a couple of both, and also the NG900. I'd say both are great, reliable safe, good looking cars and both cars feel small to drive despite their exterior size. If anything, I'd agree that the 9-3 and NG900 are better on the motorway, slightly softer ride and better seats. Both of my 9-5s developed the same front seat problem where the runners wear and the seat tips slightly as you get in and out - no big deal, but the 9-3 s and 900s didn't do it, their seats just seemed more substantial.

Our 9-3s and 900s really doubled as estate cars with their bigger than average boot and that clever and incredible safe rear seat locking bar. Just try having a head on crash in any other car and see what I mean when the contents of the boot come through the back seat and in up in your lap. That won't happen with a 9-3.

The 9-5 has a bigger boot than the 9-3 though slightly harder to access than the tailgate on the 9-3. The 9-5 has more rear legroom than the 9-3.

Overall I think it's hard to compare as they're both great cars for slightly different needs. If you want luxury, comfort front and back and plenty of load space then the 9-5. If you want flexibility, if you have to carry long or big loads regularly and you're rarely carrying rear passengers then the 9-3.

Not much difference in price, either.

Good luck - Pete

[Fogcutter]

That's a good point about the price. They really are pretty close, particularly when they're closing out models at year end.

I drove a 9-3 before I bought my 2002 9-5 Aero. I liked the way it handled, and the ergonomics of the dash, and really liked the cool electronic key. I felt like the interior was a little cramped, back seats were no good (My Aero is also my company car, so I take clients out and had to consider that). Size wise, it's not much smaller on the outside, but I thought it was a big difference inside.

I couldn't say no to the Aero engine, either. It's such a blast once you really get the hang of how to use it's torque with the manual trans. It was never much of in issue in my manual 1989 9000S- I was just happy if it would go up a hill. Poor thing: 135 horses pulling about 8000 lbs. of steel. :)

It's funny that I don't think of it as big. Could be just American standards, but the 9-5 is just right size wise. I do like smaller cars as well, but it really struck me as a great balance between size and performance. I drove some other competitors, and nothing could match the 9-5 for torque and agility. The S60 T5 was OK, but the A6 felt huge, heavy and sluggish, in both the 2.7T and 3.0 engines. Only a 2000 S4 was more fun to drive, but it was too small for clients and too expensive. Anyway, as everyone here knows, once you go Swedish....

True that some parts of the 9-5 are getting dated. The dash ergonomics are still great, but it looks a little tired and I really prefer dashes that blend into the doors. That said, coming from a 9000S, there were enough familiar looking controls that it was like an old friend from day one.

I've rambled long enough. It's really hard to go wrong in the end, isn't it?

-martin

[squishmann]

i think i would rather go w/ the 9-5 Aero, the seats feel more comfy, i have never driven one so i don't know how it handles on the road, i have a NG900 now but i have a need for speed

i was looking at the 9-3SS but i think there is just too much plastic inside and outside

i lean more toward the 9-5 b/c of the Hirsch mods that are available for it and won't void the factory warranty

the 9-3 is a great car but i hate that they put some controls on the driver's door, i would lean more toward the 9-3 if navigation was available, but for me it's the 9-5 b/c i can get it over 300HP

[freAK47]

I have driven both. Just purchased a 9-5.

It was a tough decision. I liked them both. The 9-5 is roomier, smoother, quieter, etc. The 9-3 is a bit sportier.

Would be great to have both. Someday I hope to also have a 9-3 rag top. Two Saabs in the garage, bliss.

i agree with steel arc!
but the 9-5 Aero isn't bad at all.
it goes like nothing i've driven before...except a porsche 911 carrera.
a friend of mine told me, that a saab 9-5 aero goes as well as his old BMW 730d does! And the BMW is a V12 with 5.4 litres cubic capacity !

[Jays1000]

I did buy the 9-5 Linear 6 months ago. Tough choice between that and 9-3, but I wanted a bit larger car. But, I missed the 9-3 sporty drive, so just got the bride a 9-3 Arc. Both cars are great, but the 9-3 has more 'gadgets' and more room for my 'stuff' in front. I love to drive her 9-3 on weekends! Best of both worlds.....one smaller and quick, and one larger and a bit more comfortable on long drives.