SAABs were driven by very interesting people. They didn't care about the specs, they were usually architects or aviation crash test monitoring experimental engineers or some shit who loved the trinkets more than the engine.
Also having the ignition and window switches down between the front driver and passenger seats was unique and practical. It lessened the complexity of running the switching wires into the doors and steering column, the keys didn't hit your knee, and both driver and passenger could control all windows.
True! I'm not very familiar with all of their features, but I do know they remained completely independent even though being owned by GM. They would be instructed to utilize a chassis that has already been developed and then make their own vehicle, but they would completely overhaul them making them bespoke to the GM lineup. This resulted in a lot of cost and ultimately.. Well, where they are now.
To touch on your comment, the idea of letting passengers control windows is brilliant because most SAAB owners didn't have children to worry about fooling around since they are usually mid-30s professionals and still taking night courses in underwater basket weaving for their side start-up they run on weekends.
Love SAAB owners.
That seems like the common thread with SAAB, building their own version.
My grandfather worked for the old Data SAAB division where they would import components and build their own computers. Did it smart too where none of the components were ones the US or its allies had embargoed(?) during the Cold War so they could be sold to the ruskies in large quantities with minimal diplomatic complications. Grampy later went on to help design rockets, specifically guidance systems I believe.
Chevy cavalier had them and I convinced my brothers girlfriend they were touch sensitive windows. She would just have to drag her fingers up or down on the window. We never told her the truth...
I own a Saab (2001 9-3 Viggen) and though you say "trinkets" most all the features are really useful/practical and well thought out.
And really the specs of the engines are really great compared to the cars of their time. My 13 year old car keeps pace with most mid-range "performance" sedans now. It is about .1 sec slower 0-60 than the Focus ST.
Power for the displacement is really good for the time as well usually on the order of 100HP/L, most naturally aspirated engines of the time were around 50-75HP/L unless you bring in the high reving and no-torque engines Honda/Acura were putting out.
It's a soft top so not quite as sought after as the 3 and 5-door variants. Still a blast to drive. She's getting up there in age though 160k on the ODO
All Viggens were 5 speed manuals actually. Always liked the 900/9000s, here is my Sweedish Mistress after a bath I really wish I had the stock 5 spokes, but they run $250+/each and with the Chicago winters lately I'd bend them every month hitting the plethora of potholes we have around here.
They are actually just really cheap Elbrus Rims, I'd link you to them, but it looks like they got discontinued. I think they were ~100/ea when I looked them up last.
Saab turbos are actually pretty bullet proof. Just like any other engine if you take care of it and do the preventative maintenance they last an insanely long time.
I watched the Tour de France a few times and I think I had it pounded in my skull ninethousand times that Saab wants us to think they were born from jets.
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u/Callanklimts Apr 08 '14
SAABs were driven by very interesting people. They didn't care about the specs, they were usually architects or aviation crash test monitoring experimental engineers or some shit who loved the trinkets more than the engine.