Saab 9-3 Sedan Versus Subaru Legacy GT

[lindmar]

Saab 9-3 Sedan Versus Subaru Legacy GT

Just curious what your thoughts are as to which is the better car.

I'm reading this "buying in the US" thread and it seems these cars are both similarly priced.

[bionicbadger]

the saab is made in sweden isn't it, so there would be a 6.1% duty as opposed to the subaru assembled in the states.

Saab is a bit roomier, 1 year longer warranty, but less power, not AWD.

Both need premium gas.

What do you want in a car? Probably performace/sportiness if you are looking at the GT version of the subaru.

Lots of non-rice subaru mods available, not sure about saab

[Neb]

We have a 06 Saab 9-3. U looking at the 2.0 T or V6? Big difference, but in the states you can get a9-3 wiht tons of of rebate and pretty much get it a few thousand below invoice. Check out www.saabcentral.com. Depends what you are after. the saab is good bang for the buck, leather, TCS, ABS, good safety (top pick for 2006).

Some mods for it too, but not as much as the subby.. but for starters you can get a chip (programmer) for it to bump the 2.0T up to 280hp.. for 1000US.. mods are not cheap for it.

Oh and the 9-3 does not require premium for 2.0T. it recommends 90 and up, but with 87 minimum, you will lose soem performance. No problems or pinging with mine so far.

[Spray]

Okay let me chime in here, because I have extensive knowledge and practical use in each.

My last car was an OG 9-3, however I've been lent a 9-3 for a week. The 9-3 is a very, very nice car. Great pickup, fuel economy, decent fit and finish, no awd. I think it's probably a better looking car by a hair, especially if you get a xenon package.

The legacy however is a much better car to drive. If fuel economy doesn't matter than you're going to want this one for sure. The performance out of the box is amazing. I have a 2006 Spec B, and the handling is amazing, I've also driven the regulart LGT and I have to say the handling is pretty damn good as well. Stock it'll run a 0-60 5.4, which is pretty amazing for a family sedan. The fit and finish feels VERY good, which is a big reason I chose the legacy over the Mazdaspeed6.

Overall both cars are great choices IMo, both are top rated safety pics, and you really cant go wrong with either one. They are both easily tuned as well.

[malaco0219]

Okay let me chime in here, because I have extensive knowledge and practical use in each.

My last car was an OG 9-3, however I've been lent a 9-3 for a week. The 9-3 is a very, very nice car. Great pickup, fuel economy, decent fit and finish, no awd. I think it's probably a better looking car by a hair, especially if you get a xenon package.

The legacy however is a much better car to drive. If fuel economy doesn't matter than you're going to want this one for sure. The performance out of the box is amazing. I have a 2006 Spec B, and the handling is amazing, I've also driven the regulart LGT and I have to say the handling is pretty damn good as well. Stock it'll run a 0-60 5.4, which is pretty amazing for a family sedan. The fit and finish feels VERY good, which is a big reason I chose the legacy over the Mazdaspeed6.

Overall both cars are great choices IMo, both are top rated safety pics, and you really cant go wrong with either one. They are both easily tuned as well.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but for that amount horses to do 0-60 in 5.4 isn't something you see everyday. Even the Speed 3 and 6, which has more power than it, cant guy the 0-60 any faster than 5.9. I like the Spec B as well, and I think it's a very well designed car with great looks too =]

Great choice spray!

[Spray]

It's definately a pretty impressive 0-60. I'm at stage 2.5 already in the Legacy, so 0-60 in 4.7 or so, it's definately an insane car right now.

To the OP, i STRONGLY reccomend to see if you can find the same car I did, a lightly mileage 2006 Spec B for around the price of an LGT. The interior/navigation REALLY turns some heads.

If you have any specific questions about either feel free to ask me.

[malaco0219]

It's definately a pretty impressive 0-60. I'm at stage 2.5 already in the Legacy, so 0-60 in 4.7 or so, it's definately an insane car right now.

To the OP, i STRONGLY reccomend to see if you can find the same car I did, a lightly mileage 2006 Spec B for around the price of an LGT. The interior/navigation REALLY turns some heads.

If you have any specific questions about either feel free to ask me.

Hey spray, is the 2006 one with the 5spd Manual or the 6spd manual?

[Spray]

It's the 5 speed. I was going to get the 2007 with the 6 speed..but to be honest for track/xcross I like the 5 gears. I also like the red leather interior much better than the blue.

Hey spray, is the 2006 one with the 5spd Manual or the 6spd manual?

[malaco0219]

It's the 5 speed. I was going to get the 2007 with the 6 speed..but to be honest for track/xcross I like the 5 gears. I also like the red leather interior much better than the blue.

Ahh. Well, to my knowledge and from what I read in the reviews, the MAJOR change is the 6th gear, and I don't if there were much more major changes, correct me if I'm wrong. And I'm sure you got yours for a great price since the 2007 model is out already.

[Spray]

I paid around 31k CAD after taxes and import fee's for the Spec B.

The 2007 also has the I drive, Tire pressure monitoring system (MAJOR PITA, another reason i took the 2006), better LSD, aux input on the stereo and fold down seats.

[malaco0219]

I paid around 31k CAD after taxes and import fee's for the Spec B.

The 2007 also has the I drive, Tire pressure monitoring system (MAJOR PITA, another reason i took the 2006), better LSD, aux input on the stereo and fold down seats.

Sorry, but why PITA?

I like how they added the aux input, as really sometimes burning CDs can be a pain. As for the I Drive, i like the Idea, but does it actually reduce the HP as it claims?

[Spray]

The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) isn't bad for the day to day average drivers. Once you put on aftermarket tires/wheels, you have to have the dealership recalibrate the whole thing, which costs 100's of dollars.

The I-Drive is very interesting, yes it'll indeed cut the power in order to save economy when you want it to. It'll be even more interesting once Cobb releases a program that will set the three functions to different maps (Ie Stage 1, Stage 2 and Economy).

I have a Cobb accessport right now which does essentially the same thing. I can change maps while driving to 91 or 94 octane, economy, valet mode etc.

[warpdrive]

The TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) isn't bad for the day to day average drivers. Once you put on aftermarket tires/wheels, you have to have the dealership recalibrate the whole thing, which costs 100's of dollars.

Why would you need to recalibrate for your aftermarket wheels? If you maintain close to overall rolling diameter (as you should). the car doesn't know or care that you have different wheels.

[Spray]

You need to buy the new sensors for the different wheels.

[malaco0219]

You need to buy the new sensors for the different wheels.

Ahh, an interesting thing I learned today about TPMS.

[Monsieurmaggot]

You need to buy the new sensors for the different wheels.

I just purchased a 2007 Subaru which comes with TPMS. I was quite surprised to find that the OEM TPMS inserts are about $150US a pair (with new specific valve stems) That's pretty high if you plan on buying new rims/winter tires.

I've heard of after-market sensors but haven't really looked into them.

A local tire dealer told me it would almost be cheaper to have the winter tires remounted on my aluminum rims which defeats half the argument to change to winter tires. If they're not mounted correctly, you can irreversibly damage the sensors.

Something to think about...

Two interesting notes as far as SAAB vs. Subaru, I was pricing the SAABs but I steered away after reading about the resale value (sites like consumer reports). What sold me was the high safety ratings the Legacys got. My insurance company quoted me considerable savings with a Subaru.

[mudmojo]

What happens if one doesn't hook up the TPMS sensors? Annoying dummy light on the dash?

[Monsieurmaggot]

What happens if one doesn't hook up the TPMS sensors? Annoying dummy light on the dash?

Probably. Can't imagine it's anything more than an "idiot system"