NarutoRamen

Based solely on looks....I'll take the Saab. Based on other aspects...overall I'll take the 1er

Centurion

Exactly! And the average dude in Sweden is tall as a building. More over Swedes ride together more than Americans do. Lets say 3-4 guys are going to the same soccer game, in 90% of the cases they'll ride in the same car, especially if they live within a 10-20 minute distance from each other.
We have had a 3 door car in my family and it didn't take long before we sold it. It didn't work out for the family and neither did I like it when me and my buddies used it. Unless you are a loner and don't have a tight group of friend you hang out with often then a 3 door car really isn't a good choice.
At the end of the day it really depends on your life situation. If you hardly ever have the need to transport 3-5 friends then a 3 door is an economical choice.

Merc1

Funny this poll would appear at this time. I was enjoying (finally) a proper top-down day and noticed a Saab 9-3 ragtop in the lane next to me, also with its top down. The 9-3 is the only Saab I'd even consider, combine that with the fact that I think the 1-Series is BMW's least attractive car and I have to vote for the Saab. <<<<Defection notice given>>> When GM runs deals on these cars they can be had for unbelievable prices.

M

Just_me

Too pricey if I want a 330i and Im not intrested in 320i with 150hp, I drove that version once, never again. and A4, I want a 2.0T but they are still pricey if I want one with low miles and spare parts for audi is expensive.

Just_me

For 790 Euro you can modify your Aero. Specs are then 248Hp / 369Nm.
Nothing you can do with a 120i

Tycoon

SAAB is a nice looking car, no doubt. Have no idea how it drives or how to grade it since i didn't drive it. I only know it's FWD and that's why i wouldn't choose it.

Knowing you and what kind of person you are, i mean what you prefer, imo, you should choose BMW.

monster

As a former Saab owner (mine was a 1997 9000 cs) my choce will be the 9-3 Aero. I cannot stand a car with no performace, and i am sure you will too when you want to overtake someone at the lights. Saab cars might not look fast, mine certainly didn't but i was able to surprise a lot of people when they see the rear end of my car blocking their way, that was very satisfying. Their turbo engines have unbelievable mid range punch, they just go like a missle.

When we 1st bought the Saab (i was 13 at that time and i have no idea about cars) i didn't like it because we could have bought a C-class or a 3 series instead, but after almost 9 years of ownership i have grown to love the car. Sure they don't handle as well as the BMW, they don't have the prestigious image that associate with the BMW badge, and they are not as technically advanced, hell they are not reliable as well, my car broke down 12 times in 9 years, but these Saabs are built for daily to daily driving comfort and convince, and there is just something about owning Saabs that cannot be described, it is those type of cars that makes you feel relaxed, makes you feel good when you are driving it. The car might not handle, the steering rack might feel like a sponge, but part of the fun driving the Saab is try to keep it on the road. I do enjoy fighting the torque steer while accelerating out of a corner in the rain. People might say you get more satisfaction from controlling the oversteer of a RWD car, but with a 120i, you don't have enough power to do that.

I let my friend's dad drive it, and after that he bought the car, and sold his w211 E320.

OK back to the topic. 9-3 for me. It is a better car to live with, and if you are planning to keep your car for 3 to 4 years and use it for daily driving, the 9-3 is the car for you. The BMW 120i is a decent little car, but it is very small inside, and it isn't comfortable at all. i am only 174cm tall and find it hard to get in and out of the car. Why not consider a Golf GTi or R32?

Just_me

I've driven several 1er (also my mum owns one), the comfort is good enough for me so that wont be a problem.
I would like to own the latest Golf GTI but with low miles on its, the price is too high and in Sweden insurance costs are ridicolous high for a GTI.

Just_me

It's moments like this when you realize that cars is more than just about straightline performance. If the totalpackage isnt intresting then it doesnt help if a car is a couple of seconds faster in straightline than the other car.

Saab 9-3 Aero better be damn good if I'm going to choose a Saab over a BMW 1-series. After this testdrive one of the cars has grown on me, if I forget about it, you just need to take another ride to be remembered.


See link:

http://www.germancarzone.com/member-...-bmw-118i.html

monster

Thanks for the review. The Saab 9-3 definitely won't match the BMW's chassie, if driving enjoyment is an absolute must have, then pick the BMW, the Saab cannot match it. When are you going to test drive the Saab, i will be interested in your opinion.