The battle of the big Swedes, I’ve been patiently waiting to write this one for years, are Volvos as good Saabs, or just different?
Recently, I’d come to the end of a few Saab projects, so rather than jumping straight back in and reaching for another Aero, I decided to try out the competition in the form of a Volvo V70 R. It seemed a logical choice when comparing its credentials; the Saab 9-5 2.3 Aero produces 260hp from it’s efficient 4 cylinders whilst the Volvo 2.5 R is 300hp from 5 cylinders, both Turbo and in this case, both automatics (I’d love to compare the manual versions one day too, but for now, I only have these available) from 2003 and they even have similar milage at around 70,000 (V70 R shows in km’s as it’s a Japanese car). As Saabs are so sensory to me, I thought I’d compare the Volvo based on my senses.
See
I’ve always adored the solidity of the Volvo, especially the V70, it really is utilitarian beauty at its best. The enhanced curves of its rear exterior and light clusters give just enough relief from the overall angular profile to differentiate it from older models. The modified front bumper and lower grille, unique to the R model, gives the Volvo a more aggressive look whilst the side profile is pure form and function. The stark simplicity of the Pegasus alloys have always pleased my visual sense, and with subtle modifications to the suspension, the stance is near perfect.
My love for the Saab 9-5 exterior is well documented, so won’t do a detailed rationale, but it possesses subtle qualities that most marques can never live up too; the clamshell bonnet with its distinct profile that guides your eye along and directly in to the curvaceous hockey stick rear windows, the exquisitely designed light clusters, the shark nose front bumper with its wide, aggressive lower grille, and the little seen detail of the C pillar form flowing over the rear window in to the line of the boot.
The Volvo’s interior, especially with the exclusive R Atacama leather, feels special, the seats comfortable and give a sense of warm welcome. The instruments and cluster are very ergonomic and again, the exclusive R, aluminium and mineral blue face of the main dials are elegant and timeless. Mine has the wonderful Bridge of Weir aniline Atacama leather, inspired by the Chilean desert, which is simply exceptional, but some of the finish is let down by flimsy plastics underneath, the central armrest for instance has been broken under the leather and now looks unsightly.
Overall though, the use of higher quality materials goes above and beyond the 9-5, but I can’t help longing for the crisp orange and green Saab illumination, the superior comfort and, of course, inspirational cup holder and Night Panel.
Hear
If I have one single criticism of the Saabs, it’s the lack of smile inducing sound, the 4 cylinder visceral soundtrack just isn’t a thing of beauty to me, the V6 Turbo X is a different beast, but for now, we’re comparing the 9-5 2.3 Aero and even with heavy modifications, it’s still not as pleasing as I’d like, this is the one area the V70 R wins on; sound. The 5 cylinder has a gorgeous rasp on startup and sings when under acceleration, it resonates with your senses and leaves you wanting more.
I’ve added a decaf downpipe and Evolve 3” stainless exhaust system which has helped enhance the 5 cylinder of the V70 R, but my normal Jetex systems on the 9-5 Aeros just don’t compare. For the Graphite Green Aero, I’m trying out a 3” JT system, so will reserve final judgement until that’s fitted.
Feel
After using the V70 R for a while, I’ve embraced both its qualities and visceral sounds, the space is truly enormous and an excellent carrier or Saab wheels, interiors and various parts. It gets noticed too; quite often, I’ve had the thumbs up from both young and old, those that know, know as they say. Although on paper, the V70 R should feel faster, it doesn’t, it feels heavier, acceleration feels slower and the gears less responsive, and even with fully upgraded suspension, still wallows somewhat on fast B roads. Meanwhile, the 9-5 Aero running around 300hp with a recent remap, feels impeccably balanced; acceleration is lightening quick and again, handling transformed with modified suspension and has the ability to be thrown into twisting roads with ease.
Here’s the thing though, that feeling of driving a Saab is hard to beat, I don’t feel any emotion toward the Volvo, it doesn’t have the same captivating feel as the Saab does, it doesn’t involve me like Saabs do either, yes, it’s AWD, yes it’s robust and yes, it does feel rather iconic, but for me, I don’t think I’ll be switching allegiance any time soon, Ove, I’m with you, Rune can keep his Volvo, Night all.
