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GLI vs Saab 9-3 2.0T

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jerryf

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Has any one actually driven both besides me? I think they are both terrific vehicles and have trouble deciding. I am a relatively conservative driver who values solid stability, steering precision, and comfort between 80 and 90 on rough Cal freeways. Both have ample power, low end torque. The Saab comes only with 215/55/16 wheels which I would probably upgrade to 17's. I would avoid the 18's and stick with the stock 17's on the GLI. I found the 17's perfect for the GLI, the 18's a bit too rough riding. The steering on the Saab is a bit light but it is very precises. The GLI has a great steering wheel. I would get manual transmission on either, and both are very nice.
The price difference is small enough to not be an issue for me. Also, looks and relliability are not an issue, nor is resale; only driving dynamics.
Jerry
 
#2 ·
Re: GLI vs Saab 9-3 2.0T (jerryf)

I have driven both, a GLI + an 06 Saab 9-3 2.0T.
If anything, get an 06 if you must, soon, since the rebates/financing are very good, and the 07's have the ugly GM corporate radio that is shared with cars like the Chevy Cobalt + Saturn Ion.
The Saab has a boost guage, which is very cool, and I wish the GLI came with one. But I didn't drive the Saab enough to help you in yout decision.
The reason I didn't look more seriously into the Saab was even with all the rebates, it would still be more money since you can't take that + the special financing. I had to cap my spending limit.
Good luck, I'm sure either decision will be a good one!
By the way - when can you go 80-90 on a freeway near San Diego?? Maybe at like 11pm...
 
#7 ·
I drove both before buying my 06 GLI. I came away from both drives feeling the engines were similar, but the handling of the GLI was much tighter.
The interior of the Saab is hit or miss. Too many buttons for me. And the center grab handle cover flew off when I touched it. The green dash lights didn't jive with me. I prefer the blue/red of VW.
I wouldn't have as much fun in the 9-3. It doesn't feel quite as light or nimble as the GLI.
 
#8 ·
I rode and drove in my brother's new 9-3 last week... (I own a GTI, and have riden in a few GLIs, driven 1) ... it was NOT the Aero model though.
The interior was very disappointing, nowhere near the VW fit and feel (thanks GM!). The green backlit console was strange to me.
The features, like night mode, are cool.
Suspension was floaty like my old Intrepid... not impressed.
Power was alright, though it doesn't feel anywhere near as torque-y as the FSI, even though their factory numbers are a bit higher.
My recommendation: Go with the GLI.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
Re: (FactorX)

>>Suspension was floaty like my old Intrepid... not impressed.
I currently have a 2001 Passat 1.8t with Bilstein shocks, sway bar and 16" wheels. That was floaty before these mods. The Saab was not at all floaty.
The GLI in my test drive felt tighter handling, more maneuverable, and even more fun than the Saab. But for freeway cruising the Saab was fine. They are different, but both excellent.
 
#11 ·
everyone jokes about VW being unreliable. it's because they haven't owned a Saab.
My god they're bad. Nice to drive though.
My dad had a 9-3 Aero Cabrio for 2 years, it was an utter nightmare, there was never a point where everything on the car was working. Just a nightmare.
 
#12 ·
Re: GLI vs Saab 9-3 2.0T (ycchan)

Quote, originally posted by ycchan »
I've driven both and went for the GTI. It was a hard decision and since the VW dealer here didn't offer the GTI for test drive!
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Had to borrow a friends car instead.

I hate when dealers do that. I mean you obviously serious about buying it but they wouldn't let you drive it first. Thats dumb.
 
#14 ·
I've driven both fairly extensively. My previous car was an '03 Saab 9-3 Arc with the sport package (Aero suspension and 2.0T engine without the seats and Aero body kit). I was quite fond of it and happened to have a great experience with the car. When my lease ended, I was choosing between an '06 Aero and '06 Pkg 2 GLI. Both were about the same price out the door ($28k or so). I was going to go with the Saab just for its uniqueness and the extra grunt of the 2.8T. However, I feel like you really couldn't go wrong with either car. The handling of both cars is quite different. I ended up in a temp. financial crisis, so a demo 2.5 ended up my best option since I couldn't afford either car i liked.
I'm sure I'll get flamed since this is vortex, but I liked the handling dynamics of the Saab a bit better. I feel the GLI was a little more composed and offered better ride quality on bad roads, but the Saab was ultimately a little more nimble feeling and wasn't as floaty when pushed to limits. Maybe that's simply the difference of the sport suspension, but I've never driven one without it. Perhaps it was just that I was a bit more familiar to the chassis tuning from being in one for three years. Not sure.
Engine wise between the 2.0T Saab and the GLI, I would definitely give the nod to the GLI. It sounds much better and has almost zero lag. The 2.0T has a bit of lag, but definitely gives much more of that turbo rush feeling because of it. The mid range-top end of the Saab is slightly better, although a bit rougher and not nearly as sexy sounding. However, if you have a few pennies more to spend and can swing a 9-3 Aero, that 2.8T engine is a real gem. The thrust is unreal and ridiculously smooth.
I've heard of 2006 Aeros going for slightly under $27000, which is quite a steal.
 
#15 ·
Re: GLI vs Saab 9-3 2.0T (jerryf)

Well Jerry,
The wife has a 9-3, and I have a gti, and I HATE driving it. It's very mushy, the seats have no support, and it doesn't perform near as well as the stock gti/gli. It's a little quieter, and has a more comfortable ride, but it's NOT sporty as you would think. Drive 500 miles in it and you'll want to take a nap, not find some twisties and have fun. I also prefer the 6 mt over the feel of the saab. If you're at all like me, a little time and you'll be bored with it. I dunno, I hate to rag on it, but the only reason we have the 9-3 is because she LOVES Saabs, and nothing else.
 
#16 ·
Re: (Varrr6)

Quote, originally posted by Varrr6 »
I drove both before buying my 06 GLI. I came away from both drives feeling the engines were similar, but the handling of the GLI was much tighter.
The interior of the Saab is hit or miss. Too many buttons for me. And the center grab handle cover flew off when I touched it. The green dash lights didn't jive with me. I prefer the blue/red of VW.
I wouldn't have as much fun in the 9-3. It doesn't feel quite as light or nimble as the GLI.

I felt the exact same way on all points here. A friend of mine bought it and I was able to borrow it for a day. Great car for sure, but it felt cramped compared to the GLI, handling wasn't as sharp even with stock suspension on the GLI and the interior feel overall left me disappointed (green gauges included).
The seats were awesome though. That's one single aspect I think the Saab had the upper hand and that's saying something coming from me because I love the leather sport seats in my GLI.
I'd choose the GLI all over again.
Image
 
#17 ·
Re: (svander)

Quote, originally posted by svander »
I felt the exact same way on all points here. A friend of mine bought it and I was able to borrow it for a day. Great car for sure, but it felt cramped compared to the GLI, handling wasn't as sharp even with stock suspension on the GLI and the interior feel overall left me disappointed (green gauges included).

The green gauges were the only absolute thing that made me walk out of the dealer. You'd think for a car designed by jet engineers would put in some different coloured gauges besides green.
The V6 2.8T would have sealed it for me.
 
#18 ·
Re: (someguy123)

I work at a saab dealer, and I can vouch that they are nightmares. I know VW's have their fair share of problems but these cars are terrible. Just a fun fact...our parts department is the most money making parts department in the state... I see 1k+ bills all day long on just out of warranty cars. If your going to get one, ditch it before the warranty is up or invest in a longer warranty.
 
#19 ·
Re: (Mill3niumThr33)

Quote, originally posted by Mill3niumThr33 »
I work at a saab dealer, and I can vouch that they are nightmares. I know VW's have their fair share of problems but these cars are terrible. Just a fun fact...our parts department is the most money making parts department in the state... I see 1k+ bills all day long on just out of warranty cars. If your going to get one, ditch it before the warranty is up or invest in a longer warranty.

Dang...don't let your customers read that!
Image
 
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