Saab 9-3 Hatchback - handling any good?
Discussion
Chaps,
I am kind-of in the market for a small executive car, and have always liked Saabs. The 9-3 hatchback was replaced by the saloon version in around 2002, and the older ones seem to be very good value used, but I am slightly concerned about the handling. They don't get such a good write-up on the Parkers guide, and they are based on the (much-derided) Vectra.
How bad is the handling on them (I know, I need to drive one), and are there any improvements available as after-market kits? This will be an only-car, for mainly town use but spirited driving when out of town. Fun to drive and performance are far higher on my priority list than space or comfortable rear seats ...
(The sub-text is that I know a BMW 3-series is probably the ideal car for me, but I prefer the look and image of the 9-3, and loathe the BMW-cache. Would a 9-3 make an acceptable substitute?)
Oli.
I am kind-of in the market for a small executive car, and have always liked Saabs. The 9-3 hatchback was replaced by the saloon version in around 2002, and the older ones seem to be very good value used, but I am slightly concerned about the handling. They don't get such a good write-up on the Parkers guide, and they are based on the (much-derided) Vectra.
How bad is the handling on them (I know, I need to drive one), and are there any improvements available as after-market kits? This will be an only-car, for mainly town use but spirited driving when out of town. Fun to drive and performance are far higher on my priority list than space or comfortable rear seats ...
(The sub-text is that I know a BMW 3-series is probably the ideal car for me, but I prefer the look and image of the 9-3, and loathe the BMW-cache. Would a 9-3 make an acceptable substitute?)
Oli.
Olod shape 9-3 come in a wide range power outputs, up to 230 bhp for Viggens.
The handling is OK, but they do torque steer a fair bit if you are very enthusiastic.
Abbott Racing do a set of mods called the Viggen Rescue Kit which sorts out the handling deficiencies I'm told. It fits all the "old shape" 9-3 models.
Having said that I have a 9-3 Aero (mines a soft top but the hatch has the same engine) - 205bhp - and despite what I'd read, the handling is pretty fair. I may consider Abbotts mods later once I've found it's limits in current form. Performance is excellent, esp mid-range acceleration.
Prof Beard
The handling is OK, but they do torque steer a fair bit if you are very enthusiastic.
Abbott Racing do a set of mods called the Viggen Rescue Kit which sorts out the handling deficiencies I'm told. It fits all the "old shape" 9-3 models.
Having said that I have a 9-3 Aero (mines a soft top but the hatch has the same engine) - 205bhp - and despite what I'd read, the handling is pretty fair. I may consider Abbotts mods later once I've found it's limits in current form. Performance is excellent, esp mid-range acceleration.
Prof Beard
Just bought a Saab 93 (convertible - pre 2003) to replace the Audi A 6 company barge but I also run a Porsche Boxster 3.2 S (wasn't allowed to run this instead of the A6).
IMHO, the Saab is no replacement for the Boxster - no
surprise there - but it is a smooth, comfortable long distance cruiser which gives me 99 % of what the Audi did, but with more charisma (as far as I am concerned) and the added advantage of a folding roof.
Yes, there is a degree of bump-steer on mine - probably because of the 17" wheels and very low profile tyres - but it is bearable. I am seriously thinking about the Viggen Rescue Kit (being an inveterate modifier) and would be interested in anyone with first-hand expereience of this.
IMHO, the Saab is no replacement for the Boxster - no
surprise there - but it is a smooth, comfortable long distance cruiser which gives me 99 % of what the Audi did, but with more charisma (as far as I am concerned) and the added advantage of a folding roof.
Yes, there is a degree of bump-steer on mine - probably because of the 17" wheels and very low profile tyres - but it is bearable. I am seriously thinking about the Viggen Rescue Kit (being an inveterate modifier) and would be interested in anyone with first-hand expereience of this.
I drove Abbott's Viggen back in 2002. It was thrilling & great fun with the extra bhp, but most importantly the chassis could cope very well.
I wouldn't drive a standard Viggen in a spirited way as I think they are dangerous. Boot one in 3rd or 4th in a straight line & you can easily find yourself on the wrong side of the road. Always remember the story of Giles at Abbott Racing collecting their Viggen, when he also found himself on the other side of the road.
IMO all 9-3's need the Rescue Pack, the steering rack flexes a huge amount. Open the bonnet & you can see it moving if you get someone to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.
For more powerful models it is an essential modification.
I would be most surprised if you weren't thrilled with the change in handling after fitting the kit.
I wouldn't drive a standard Viggen in a spirited way as I think they are dangerous. Boot one in 3rd or 4th in a straight line & you can easily find yourself on the wrong side of the road. Always remember the story of Giles at Abbott Racing collecting their Viggen, when he also found himself on the other side of the road.
IMO all 9-3's need the Rescue Pack, the steering rack flexes a huge amount. Open the bonnet & you can see it moving if you get someone to turn the steering wheel from lock to lock.
For more powerful models it is an essential modification.
I would be most surprised if you weren't thrilled with the change in handling after fitting the kit.
Chaps,
Helpful answers - many thanks.
Sounds like the Abbotts Rescue Kit is something to be investigated ... I'll do a google search. Funnily enough, torque steer is something that I don't mind, mainly because I have always driven brisk FWD hatches, and have therefore grown used to it. However, something to minimise it must be good news.
I guess what I really need to do is drive some cars with and without it fitted. And compare with an equivalent option from other manufacturers - BMW and Audi amongst others.
Thanks for your input.
Oli.
Helpful answers - many thanks.
Sounds like the Abbotts Rescue Kit is something to be investigated ... I'll do a google search. Funnily enough, torque steer is something that I don't mind, mainly because I have always driven brisk FWD hatches, and have therefore grown used to it. However, something to minimise it must be good news.
I guess what I really need to do is drive some cars with and without it fitted. And compare with an equivalent option from other manufacturers - BMW and Audi amongst others.
Thanks for your input.
Oli.
now mate i may have the answers to your questions, as i own a 9-3 aero (210) 2003 (new shape)
the handling is not too bad but im used to modified cars, my last being a celica GT with 18's lowered and lots of goodies under the bonnet
as for my saab, i recently put a dump valve on and future bits will include:
lowering
19" wheels
ecu upgrade to 252bhp
possible turbo upgrade??
BUT...... im considering sellin it so go and drive one and i think you will be pleasently suprised!!
if anyone is interested in a 2003 aero in laser red completley standard let me know!
the handling is not too bad but im used to modified cars, my last being a celica GT with 18's lowered and lots of goodies under the bonnet
as for my saab, i recently put a dump valve on and future bits will include:
lowering
19" wheels
ecu upgrade to 252bhp
possible turbo upgrade??
BUT...... im considering sellin it so go and drive one and i think you will be pleasently suprised!!
if anyone is interested in a 2003 aero in laser red completley standard let me know!
Oli,
I think it's all been said. VRK is essential kit, but they are a pretty good drive with this. Practical, comfortable, quick, good on kit (go for an SE) and huge value. My suggestion would be an Aero / SE Sport with 205bhp and all the toys
Or a Viggen if you can find it, they do look fantastic...
One other thing - they are actually based more on the Mk.3 Cavalier floorpan (I think chassis is a bit misleading) which IMHO is better than the Vectra that replaced it.
I think it's all been said. VRK is essential kit, but they are a pretty good drive with this. Practical, comfortable, quick, good on kit (go for an SE) and huge value. My suggestion would be an Aero / SE Sport with 205bhp and all the toys
Or a Viggen if you can find it, they do look fantastic... One other thing - they are actually based more on the Mk.3 Cavalier floorpan (I think chassis is a bit misleading) which IMHO is better than the Vectra that replaced it.
NiceCupOfTea said:
One other thing - they are actually based more on the Mk.3 Cavalier floorpan (I think chassis is a bit misleading) which IMHO is better than the Vectra that replaced it.
Whilst it is true that the 9-3 shares a floorpan with the Mk3 Cav, to be purist one should point out that the floorpan is/was a "generic" GM floorpan used on all sorts of stuff, so calling it a Cav pan is perhaps unkind!
I agree with comment re Vectra pan (which I believe is correctly called something like the GM "epsilon" pan - or maybe that's the proper name for the Cav pan - can't remember
) Prof Beard
Chaps,
More good answers, thanks.
Didn't know the bit about the cavalier floorpan - I thought it was the vectra item. I'd agree about the cav one being better than the vectra one tho' - having driven both, the cavalier was just not-very-good, the vectra one is dire. (PB's points about them being "Generic GM floorpans" notwithstanding when I refer to them as "Cavalier" and "Vectra".)
Pimpin', thanks for the comments. Does yours have the rescue kit on it? I'm guessing not, as you describe it as standard. (But then, sorry to be slow, if your waggon has a dump valve it isn't standard ... and why are you selling it if you have these plans for it?)
Oli.
More good answers, thanks.
Didn't know the bit about the cavalier floorpan - I thought it was the vectra item. I'd agree about the cav one being better than the vectra one tho' - having driven both, the cavalier was just not-very-good, the vectra one is dire. (PB's points about them being "Generic GM floorpans" notwithstanding when I refer to them as "Cavalier" and "Vectra".)
Pimpin', thanks for the comments. Does yours have the rescue kit on it? I'm guessing not, as you describe it as standard. (But then, sorry to be slow, if your waggon has a dump valve it isn't standard ... and why are you selling it if you have these plans for it?)
Oli.
rescue pack?? dunno! what is it an wats it consist of?
i am considering selling it because its a bit too grown up for me and i was trying to be sensible when i bought it! bearing in mind i was 24 when i purchased it, and used to modded cars.
i would rather of got wat i initialy wanted: skyline, evo, or lotus elise.
the plans i have for it are just if i keep it.
it will be standard if i sell it because the dump valve is easily removed and i have a replacement pipe!
i am considering selling it because its a bit too grown up for me and i was trying to be sensible when i bought it! bearing in mind i was 24 when i purchased it, and used to modded cars.
i would rather of got wat i initialy wanted: skyline, evo, or lotus elise.
the plans i have for it are just if i keep it.
it will be standard if i sell it because the dump valve is easily removed and i have a replacement pipe!
NiceCupOfTea said:
Abbott Racing Viggen Rescue Kit :
www.abbottracing.com/2003/tuning/9-3/chassis/9-3_vrk.htm
My post reffered to the previous model 9-3. Haven't yet driven the current model.
But I would urge all owners of the previous model to fit the kit shown in the above link.
The differences are truly amazing, totally transforms the car.
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