Scrappy Saab comes up somewhat quick.
This advert is the tough equal of hanging an all-Cs report automotive on the fridge. And whereas we recognize Saab’s honesty, we’re undecided what the purpose of this comparability was. As a result of—please test for your self—it looks like Volvo gained this showdown.
Revealed for the 1972 mannequin yr, this advert for the Saab 99, the one Saab offered within the U.S. that yr, boldly compares the 99 to its pure and geographical rival, Volvo. On this case, the 144.
And for these not within the know, it’s my understanding that the Saab/Volvo rivalry—not less than in Europe–was no much less intense that the Chevrolet/Ford entrenchments right here within the Sates.
What we study from this comparability is that the Saab will not be solely smaller than the Volvo, it’s much less highly effective, doesn’t brake as effectively, boasts much less trunk area, and is much less maneuverable. That is roughly analogous to me including a line to my resume about my playing dependancy, and desire for working nude on the workplace.
Now, the Saab does get well—a bit. Scroll down the checklist of Saab failures, and also you see quite a lot of spectacular tech options claimed by Saab, and never Volvo. These embody fascinating rack-and-pinion steering, vitality absorbing bumpers, and dual-channel brakes.
What’s humorous, is that almost all interval automotive fans with an urge for food for Swedish metallic doubtless would have opted for the Saab. Whereas the slower automotive, the Saab’s overhead-cam engine revved extra freely. Moreover, the Saab was typically extra enjoyable to drive, with extra direct steering, higher dealing with, and certain higher real-world gas financial system. Additionally, the Saab is higher trying.
Who is aware of why Saab advert sorts felt compelled to run this advert? Volvo was the better-selling automotive, so maybe the Saab people simply needed their automotive in on the dialog?
Amusingly, the advert makes no point out of the Saab’s front-wheel-drive structure, a function which gave the automotive a transparent benefit within the snow, and arguably a bonus when it comes to low-speed dealing with.
Reality be identified; this editor would have gone with the Saab. It’s normal quirkiness relative to the Volvo’s extra stolid nature is sufficient of a promoting level for me. Additionally, the Saab simply seems cool, and whenever you’re procuring esoteric European small automobiles, that counts for one thing.
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1972 Saab 99E Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged photographs
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