Scrappy Saab comes up just a little quick.
This advert is the tough equal of hanging an all-Cs report card on the fridge. And whereas we recognize Saab’s honesty, we’re unsure what the purpose of this comparability was. As a result of—please test for your self—it looks as if Volvo gained this showdown.
Printed for the 1972 mannequin 12 months, this advert for the Saab 99, the one Saab bought within the U.S. that 12 months, 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 States.
What we study from this comparability is that the Saab just isn’t solely smaller than the Volvo, it’s much less highly effective, doesn’t brake as effectively, boasts much less trunk house, and is much less maneuverable. That is roughly analogous to me including a line to my resume about my playing dependancy, and choice 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 a lot of spectacular tech options claimed by Saab, and never Volvo. These embody fascinating rack-and-pinion steering, power absorbing bumpers, and dual-channel brakes.
What’s humorous, is that almost all interval automotive lovers with an urge for food for Swedish steel probably would have opted for the Saab. Whereas the slower automotive, the Saab’s overhead-cam engine revved extra freely. Moreover, the Saab was usually extra enjoyable to drive, with extra direct steering, higher dealing with, and sure higher real-world gasoline economic system. Additionally, the Saab is higher wanting.
Who is aware of why Saab advert varieties felt compelled to run this advert? Volvo was the better-selling model within the U.S., so maybe the Saab of us simply needed their automotive in on the dialog?
Amusingly, the advert makes no point out of the Saab’s front-wheel-drive format, a function which gave the automotive a transparent benefit within the snow, and arguably a bonus when it comes to low-speed dealing with.
Fact be identified; this editor would have gone with the Saab. It’s common quirkiness relative to the Volvo’s extra stolid nature is sufficient of a promoting level for me. Additionally, the Saab simply appears cool, and if you’re buying esoteric European small vehicles, that counts for one thing.
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1972 Saab 99E Photos
Click on under for enlarged photographs
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