The new "Saab-aru" is in! - Page 3

robricc · #31 05-26-2004, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by red95svx
Justys are econoboxs. Loyales are econoboxs. Fiesta's are econoboxs. Older Civics and Escorts are econoboxs. Most Hyundais are econoboxs. They are small, inexpensive, usually a little sluggish, great on gas. A WRX is an econobox? I don't see how it is.

Dave

God forbid I say anything remotely anti-Subaru. I say remotely because labeling a car as economy is not necessarily dissing it. It's true that an Impreza is not like a Kia Rio, but they are both economy cars. Similar to how a BMWs and Lincolns are luxury cars, but both are very different in price and performance.

Also, what's with the distinction between "old" and "new" Civics? It is undeniable that both are economy cars. I think your standards are set very low. On the other hand, it could be that my standards are too high, but it seems Car and Driver agree with me.

Quote:

To most folks, the Evo and the STi look absurd. That's because these small economy sedans have been tarted up with improbable—some dare say juvenile—bits and pieces of racy-looking gear. In this fashion, they will be familiar to much of America as variations on the slammed Honda Civic theme.

...

A brief history lesson. It was Subaru that popularized this whole idea of selling economy sedans with punchy turbocharged motors and all-wheel drive to Americans.

Chiketkd · #32 05-26-2004, 10:50 AM

I thought that was your last word?

I'll be more than glad to jump back into this discussion - it's not like I never used to write articles on cars for online car pages!

I do know what I'm talking about, and the reason why Saab is being bailed out by the 'General' right now is b/c their quirky styling and high prices have lead to the company's financial demise. Criticise Subaru all you want, but they are having a strong product revival with the '04 re-styling of their 'econoboxes'!

At the rate your going robricc, I may not be the only one here who wouldn't want to know you either...

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by robricc
so this is probably the only post I will make on the subject.

Chiketkd · #33 05-26-2004, 11:35 AM

BTW, if you have a point to make - make it. There's no need to resort to any childish comments like the one below. You don't know the first thing about me, and your 'low blow' was uncalled for...

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by robricc
But anyone with a brain in their head will know a 9-2x is really an Impreza no matter what you do to it.

robricc · #34 05-26-2004, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I thought that was your last word?

I can't leave this thread alone because you people are twisting my words into something anti-Subaru. And even if I was anti-Subaru, what's the big deal?

I assumed people would want to hear my opinion being involved in both the Saab and Subaru scene.

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I'll be more than glad to jump back into this discussion - it's not like I never used to write articles on cars for online car pages!

Oh wow! Now that's something to talk about! You shut me up!

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
I do know what I'm talking about, and the reason why Saab is being bailed out by the 'General' right now is b/c their quirky styling and high prices have lead to the company's financial demise.

I said you didn't know about Saab's past & present lineup or history. Nothing about Saab's financial situation was brought up until this point.

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
Criticise Subaru all you want, but they are having a strong product revival with the '04 re-styling of their 'econoboxes'!

Actually, I never criticised Subaru. I said the Impreza is an economy car. Which it is. The style of the new and older WRX is ugly in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
At the rate your going robricc, I may not be the only one here who wouldn't want to know you either...

Oh, you don't want to be my friend? I'm going to cry now.

I don't know. I am easy to get along with in person at meets and runs and I get along with everyone else. People on web boards seem to be more intolerant of other's views though. It's really sad, especially in a case where we're talking about styling preferences.

robricc · #35 05-26-2004, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Chiketkd
BTW, if you have a point to make - make it. There's no need to resort to any childish comments like the one below. You don't know the first thing about me, and your 'low blow' was uncalled for...

-Chike

Dude, I wasn't even talking about you in that quote. I was talking about the typical Saab driver/buyer that is ignorant of 9-2x being an Impreza.

I can't even imagine how you decided that I was talking about you when I said that.

GreenMarine · #36 05-26-2004, 11:51 AM

Woah guys... Lets extinguish those flame throwers before one of the Mods step in and extinguish the thread... Lets try to not take things personal...

Chiketkd · #37 05-26-2004, 11:59 AM

I'm all for that. Let's get back on topic!

So will the Saab 9-2X run 0-60mph in 5.4s like the Subaru equivalent? Not sure if any weight has been added in the Saab version...

-Chike

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
Woah guys... Lets extinguish those flame throwers before one of the Mods step in and extinguish the thread... Lets try to not take things personal...

GreenMarine · #38 05-26-2004, 12:15 PM

I think it's actually gonna be slower than the WRX... However from what I've heard most (If not ALL) the performance parts from the WRX will fit the new Saabaru.... So there's gonna be a few really fast Saabs out there soon

robricc · #39 05-26-2004, 12:20 PM

The only non-cosmetic mods I know Saab did was to the steering, suspension, and added sound-deadening material.

GreenMarine · #40 05-26-2004, 12:27 PM

So I'm guessing the steering is softer and the suspension is softer??

NeedForSpeed · #41 05-26-2004, 12:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
I think it's actually gonna be slower than the WRX... However from what I've heard most (If not ALL) the performance parts from the WRX will fit the new Saabaru.... So there's gonna be a few really fast Saabs out there soon

Wow, this thread has some emotion! [Not referring to above, actually appreciate above, just want to suggest we change the pseudoname we have unofficially given the Subaru variant]

Just to change it up a bit,

Since we are talking about Subarus becoming Saabs, not Saabs becoming Subarus;

And talking about Subaru power,

I say we drop the name Saabaru as it's not a Saab that became a Ru,

Why give Saab the credit?

How about SubaRobbed!! A masterful robbing at that!

Yes, both marks are unique, both like turbo-power, both owned or partly owned by GM, But hey, who robbed from who????

Chiketkd · #42 05-26-2004, 12:45 PM

The 5MT version of the 9-2X is 14 lbs heavier than the comparable Subaru Wagon...

Yahoo Autos: 9-2X vs Impreza WRX Wagon

-Chike

robricc · #43 05-26-2004, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by GreenMarineSVX
So I'm guessing the steering is softer and the suspension is softer??

Saabs are not Cadillacs (yet). Steering has been made "quicker." I don't know what they did with the suspension, but I have my doubts about softer.

Quote:

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed
Yes, both marks are unique, both like turbo-power, both owned or partly owned by GM, But hey, who robbed from who????

I wouldn't say Saab robbed from Subaru, but at the same time, the 9-2x is not a Saab by any stretch. From my understanding, GM forced the 9-2x (and certainly the 9-7x) on Saab to increase sales in the US. In the case of the 9-7x (which is more controversial in the Saab community), Saab was willing to bring an SUV to market in the US, but the changes they wanted to make to the TrailBlazer would have cost far too much. In the end, GM simply slapped a Saab-ish front on a TrailBlazer and called it a day.

NeedForSpeed · #44 05-26-2004, 01:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by robricc

I wouldn't say Saab robbed from Subaru, but at the same time, the 9-2x is not a Saab by any stretch. From my understanding, GM forced the 9-2x (and certainly the 9-7x) on Saab to increase sales in the US. In the case of the 9-7x (which is more controversial in the Saab community), Saab was willing to bring an SUV to market in the US, but the changes they wanted to make to the TrailBlazer would have cost far too much. In the end, GM simply slapped a Saab-ish front on a TrailBlazer and called it a day.

Well, it's a Made in Japan Subaru with Saab badges, If not 'robbed' then certainly parts and engineering 'sharing'. It could be more politically correct to say that Subaru 'loaned' the car to Saab to increase Subaru sales. Is the 9-2x for sale in Europe???

So, this new Subaru variant may better be called:

SubaSaab 9-2x

SubaRob 9-2x

or

SubaRobbed 9-2x

PS

The 9-3 Viggen is one of the most beautiful designs on the road today, In My Opinion.

robricc · #45 05-26-2004, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed

Well, it's a Made in Japan Subaru with Saab badges, If not 'robbed' then certainly parts and engineering 'sharing'.

No, agree that you can call it robbery. It's just that Saab doesn't think for itself anymore. GM is the one who should be accused of robbery.

Quote:

Originally posted by NeedForSpeed

The 9-3 Viggen is one of the most beautiful designs on the road today, In My Opinion.

Thanks. I think so too. I don't like the 9-3 so much, but the Viggen body panels really add a lot to the car. Of course, the upgraded engine and turbo don't hurt either.