looking at v70t5 or saab aero sportswagon would like imput comparing both cars.

I already have the ultimate wagon, the R modified. More power than any of the others, better handling, AWD traction. There are a few M3's shaking thier heads, "what the hell was that, a Volvo Wagon? I don't waste my time on a 5 series.

Wills
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98 R AWD Wagon IPD ECU, 2.5 Dual Exhaust, Dawes MBC, 94 854 turbo, IPD Goodies, 92 740 Rag Wag

They were laughing at you. Better handling? Oh, please. Even if you could edge them out in a straight line, in the first turn, they'd eat you alive.
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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

David,

I just cannot see how an M3 (despite its great handling characteristics) could outhandle the V70R especially if it is modified. He [V70R] can choose to go through the curve at almost (if not 100%) full throttle...try doing that in any BMW and you will be looking at the headlights of those following you; not a very positive prospect if I may add...

Yannis
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2001 V70 T-5M SR, Classic Red/Graphite Lthr., ipd ME7 ECU Upgrade, iPd Sport Exhaust, K&N Air Filter, Cold Weather, Dolby Surr. Sound, Rear Spoiler, 17' 'Tethys' alloys

Really? Guess you were there? They will eat the FWD in corner, I own one and know the limits of handling on FWD. Have you driven the AWD modded..I am now laughing.

Wills
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98 R AWD Wagon IPD ECU, 2.5 Dual Exhaust, Dawes MBC, 94 854 turbo, IPD Goodies, 92 740 Rag Wag

Let's say I've spent enough time at the track this summer to know you're fantasizing about the capabilities of your very fine automobile. It's fast. But on the track, it's the M3. Unmodded it will still eat you alive. You aren't getting 4.7sec from an AWD car as substantial as a V70 unless you've got a Pratt&Whitney under the hood.


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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

I just switched from a 99 Saab Wagon ( base model, not aero) to a V70 T5. Saab is a bit bigger inside, especially in the back seat. The added height makes it feel more spacious. Overall fit and finish are superior in the Volvo. Volvo ergonomics slightly better, tho I miss the between-the-seats ignition.

Cargo space is about equal, but Saab's again is a bit taller. Saab has more torque steer, no traction control, and a lot less power (I'm sure Aero goes like crazy though). Saab's maybe a little better looking and certainly less common around my neck of the woods. I probably could've gotten a little better deal on the Saab. Volvo, all in, was north of $45K.

Both good cars. I've had 4 Saabs, this is my first Volvo. So far so good.

I have test driven both. The Volvo is more substantial, but the new ones are simply too ugly for words. It's a tossup.
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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

Passed a silver Aero yesterday and slowed down just to let him catch me so I could oggle it some more. Can't seem to quit looking at either the sedan or wagon whenever I see one. Drove a factory modified Aero sedan (300hp)last year and it just plain ripped. Tough choice, especially if you throw in a 5 series wagon, which may top the list of THE wagon to have. Stylie points to the Saab and the whole Saab culture thing (had 2), bad ass award to the 5 series on the BBS sport rims (Saab, too), haven't driven the new V70, but sat in one just to drool on the seats. That being said, I'd get the BMW if my pockets were deep enough as the tuner toys available are more plentiful. Enviable task at hand,no?

I would agree that the 540i wagon would be THE car to get, especially if you can get it with the 6-speed manual. But you better fork out mucho dinero! The Aero is not a bad car but I believe the T5 is amuch better package and more comfortable. And do a couple of upgrades and it really becomes a beast! Trust me, I did only two upgrades to my car and it is an amazing package...I have driven upgraded 850 Turbos, C70s, V70Rs and S70 T5s, the new Volvos upgraded are something else!

Yannis
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2001 V70 T-5M SR, Classic Red/Graphite Lthr., ipd ME7 ECU Upgrade, iPd Sport Exhaust, K&N Air Filter, Cold Weather, Dolby Surr. Sound, Rear Spoiler, 17' 'Tethys' alloys

I liked the SAAB, but I found that the gas and brake pedals of the SAAB were so close together that I couldn't help hitting both with my Size 13s.

Have you looked at the BMW wagons?

-Punxsutawney Phil

Don't have size 13 feet. Been a bmw club member for 20 years, like them very much, 5 series to big for the amount of room it has, and the repair costs are high. I have a 855 Turbo at the present time with big bars and strut bar. Would like something that handles a lot better without feeling huge.

I've owned a couple of SAABs. First was built like a bank vault, and went 300k mi. before I lost sight of it. Seond was ... well I bought a Volvo next. After GM took over SAAB I was unimpressed by the replacement 9-3 I did like the 9-5 wagon but there is that ergonomic problem I mentioned. I'm not the only one who's noticed it. BTW have you discovered the SAAB board http://www.saabnet.com/tsn/bb/9-5/ yet?

A Volvo has pretty high repair costs, too. based on the cost of the extended warranties, the BMW one and the Volvo VIP one, the odds for trouble with a V70 Volvo in the first 100,000 miles are roughly (very roughly) the same as for a V8 BMW, which is more complex. I agree the 325iT doesn't have much room in back and the X5 has about the same but the 525-540iT and lamented 528iT don't seem too cramped. I haven't taken my tape measure though.

What would I buy if I needed a car tomorrow? Difficult question, because I like a reasonable amount of power and a manual transmission. I'm excluding the SAAB not only because of ergonomics but because It's a GM product. I don't think the Audi is any more reliable than Volvo. The "ideal" BMWs for me, the 530iT or 540iT/6-speed or 330iT aren't exported to the US. Volvo .... well my experience with my dealer's service department has been less than stellar. If you have a good dealer that could make all the difference. That would leave me the 325iT and that's a default choice because I'm not enthusiastic about a new car that's waaaay slower than my present car, also the local BMW dealer is not much better than the local Volvo dealer. So I'm hoping that my present car is going to last a little longer, I'm not sure I even NEED a wagon now, so I dunno. I'm frustrated by the lack of choices.

-Punxsutawney Phil

The Boston Globe reviewer raved about the new 9-3.
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David \\ (98 S70 T5SE Black, misc mods (mostly lighting), red calipers) (92 940GLE)

Plus the SAAB has a HUGE blind spot between the C and D pillars and the dash is way too busy.


Yannis
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2001 V70 T-5M SR, Classic Red/Graphite Lthr., ipd ME7 ECU Upgrade, iPd Sport Exhaust, K&N Air Filter, Cold Weather, Dolby Surr. Sound, Rear Spoiler, 17' 'Tethys' alloys