The iconic Swedish automakers Saab and Volvo have come a long way in a short period. If you want to do the same, each manufacturer has a wagon to suit your needs.
With few exceptions, Saab has built many modestly sized coupes and sedans with cargo capacities of station wagons. It wasn’t until 1999, however, that they actually produced one, and it was based on the 9-5. Trollhattan’s engineers have fiddled with a few things in the years since and ultimately gave the car its own name, SportCombi. It enters 2008 without a major redesign, which some say is at least a year down the road.
About 50 miles down the road in Gothenburg, things are comparatively older and newer at Volvo. The automaker has produced wagons for decades, but our comparison car, the Volvo V70, has been revamped for the 2008 model year.
Which turbo Swede belongs in your driveway? We’ll evaluate each based on several fixed and numerically weighted criteria. Read on to learn which comes closer to a perfect 100-point score.
Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T
MSRP (base): $38,640Engine: 2.3-liter Turbo I4
Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5,300 rpm
Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm
MPG: City: 17; Highway: 26
Performance - 14/20
Credit Saab for acknowledging that turbo lag and torque steer aren’t endearing qualities, because both are more subdued in the Saab 9-5 SportCombi than in models of years past. For our comparison, however, we passed on the five-speed manual for the optional five-speed automatic, to better compare against the automatic-only Volvo. Even with peak torque coming on at 1,900 rpm, it reintroduced enough lag to be annoying and to dull the 0-60 mph times to the 7.5 second range. Once the revs wake up, the four-cylinder is responsive, but gets raspy at higher rpms. The most feedback you’ll receive from the wheel is from understeer, which isn’t hard to provoke. Otherwise, like the brakes, there’s only a feeling of semi-involvement.
Exterior design - 12/20
This shape looked great when it debuted, but that was the last millennium. Despite an attractive 2006 freshening of the sheet metal, the Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T is showing its age worse than a washed-up actress on a reality show.
Interior design - 4/10
More of the same old, same old; the ergonomics that felt mostly great several years ago seem merely acceptable today. We’ll concede it’s still a better place to be than many SUVs, with more cargo room as well. The Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T is able to hold 73 cubic feet with its rear seat folded.
Sound system/goodies - 5/10
There are a few highlights throughout the otherwise ho-hum cabin. For one, the 200-watt Harman/Kardon audio package will pick up your spirits. Also, the cooled glove box and heated rear seats are thoughtful touches that are bound to please during road trips.
Bang for your buck - 10/20
Don’t get us wrong, we love Saabs and have owned them through the years, but even the faithful are grumbling about the staleness and price of the Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T. It’s still a car that proudly goes against the grain, but lately it’s also thumbing its nose at the idea of evolution.
Driving experience - 13/20
Moderate highway cruising suits the Saab 9-5 SportCombi 2.3T best. When you’re slicing and dicing in heavy traffic or cutting loose with a few spirited moves, the car’s age shows. As a driver, the Saab 9-5 SportCombi is by no means awful, just in need of total freshening.
Overall score - 58/100
It takes more than a floor-mounted ignition to make a Saab, and it takes more than random updates every so often to keep us interested. Even on the showroom floor, the new-car smell can’t compensate for the old-car essence.
Volvo V70 3.2
MSRP: $32,465Engine: 3.2-liter I6
Horsepower: 235 hp @ 6,200 rpm
Torque: 236 lb-ft @ 3,200 rpm
MPG: City: 16; Highway: 24
Performance - 14/20
While we miss the higher-performance R-spec wagon, the new Volvo V70 trades most of its sportiness for further refinement. We don’t imagine the typical V70 owner will miss the extra power or handling since the new car is still far from sloppy. Through the shared use of the S80’s engine (and six-speed automatic), the new Volvo V70 is the first of its lineage with a six-cylinder. What is a little too familiar, however, is the feeling of only adequate responsiveness and 0-60 mph strolls that take about 8.5 seconds, despite their smooth composure.
Exterior design - 15/20
The updated Volvo V70 is pleasant, but not earth-shattering. You’ll have to look closely, even with an ’07 and ’08 parked together, to spot the subtle changes, such as a slightly longer wheelbase and overall length. What most notice first from the side profile is how designers lifted the belt line and trimmed the green house. Around back, an interesting touch is the chrome application of the Volvo name across the rear hatch in the stodgy old font used in the corporate logo.
Interior design - 7/10
If the new Volvo V70 looks and feels like the S80 sedan from the driver’s seat, you aren’t imagining things. In our book, the wagon is better for it. Besides all the typical Volvo safety features you hope you’ll never have to test, ergonomics in all four seats are excellent. At 71.4 cubic feet, the total cargo area falls a tad short of the Saab’s, but the front passenger seat folds forward for long items and the aft section includes useful hooks and under-floor storage.
Sound system/goodies - 7/10
Typical of the automaker, the new Volvo V70 is as safe as it is entertaining. The eight-speaker sound system is competent for a factory setup, though adjustments seem a little fussy at first. It helps to acclimate via the buttons on the steering wheel. Despite the $1,800 charge, we imagine that it’s difficult to skip the Rear Seat Entertainment System. Second-row passengers can play music, games or watch movies through the dual DVD players and monitors built into the front seats’ headrests.
Bang for your buck - 17/20
When you consider the Volvo V70 has a reasonable base price and a long list of standard features, it’s clear you can spend more and get less elsewhere. You don’t even have to look beyond this comparison, in fact.
Driving experience - 14/20
From a performance standpoint, the Volvo V70 is not likely to be the first choice for enthusiasts. It goes about its business with more dignity and style than bravado. It’s not a boring wagon, but the excitement level from the driver’s seat may easily be matched by the rear-seat passengers’ engrossment in the optional entertainment system.
Overall score - 74/100
Volvo didn’t reinvent the box with their new V70, but they did smooth a few lines and improve an already strong class competitor.
and the winner is…
Here are two Swedish wagons. The similarity doesn’t go much further. Whereas we’ll probably have to wait at least another year for a replacement to the thrashy old Saab 9-5 SportCombi, Volvo’s new V70 shuffles slightly forward from its previous level of refinement.Resources:
http://autos.aol.com/
http://www.volvocars.us/
http://www.saabusa.com/
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