SAAB vice Mercedes? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Carrameow · #1 03-06-2003, 10:20 PM

What are the merits of the SAAB 9000 vice Mercedes, 1990 years?
Today I was run off the road in my 240D with my family in it by a smart ass kid driving an Audi. I literally had to pull bushes out of my Grille.
I always had the idea of putting a Turbo V8 in my 240D.
Believe me I love my Mercedes Diesels but I am tired of getting my A__ kicked by smart a__ kids driving their parents Maxima's and Acuras and Accords and trying to run me off the road.
I will always stand by my 240D loyally.
But I want Payback. I'm still young. I'm tired of someone with a $30,000 car flexing his or her wallet.

I cant find a Mercedes sports car like the 240D. Many people are pointing me to the SAAB 9000 as a car that can bought for less than 2 grand and can be modified , and still look dignified like a Mercedes. I would like to overhaul the engine and boost it to 270 HP.
The next time some kid does this to me, i am going to chase him to his rich Dads house and drain his oil.

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/snow7ice/BENZ.html

lou-in-nj · #2 03-06-2003, 10:54 PM

You bring back memories; As you know, no diesel can accelerate as fast as a gas engine but if I still had my 1.8L VW engine, I would give it to you to drop into any VW of your choice. With 11:1 pistons, oversizes stainless valves and a hot cam, the only thing that prevented that engine from exceeding 7500rpm, was the point ignition! If you do want to rebuild a foreign engine with high performance parts they are available. However, I spent over $3k on parts and machining on my little VW engine!
I did have a friend who bought a used
Saab, albeit, a 900 turbo, and he put two new transmissions inside of 6 months and a few months later he blew the turbo. Having the car for less than a year cost him more than $5k and he bought it for $1500. Needless to say he was a real hotrodder.

tvpierce · #3 03-06-2003, 11:19 PM

If you're looking for a nice car with performance potential, and something that's easily/affordably "modifiable", I'd consider a Volvo turbo. They're rear wheel drive, and less "quirky" than Saabs. It's a very straight forward car to work on. I think you'd probably even find it easier to work on than your 240D.

The stock output of a Volvo Turbo is 165hp (and I believe 195 ft/lbs of torque). Which makes it a nice snappy ride. (I have a 940 Turbo, and it's really quick off the line.) You'd probably dispense of most lower-end imports with that kind of power.

But check out this site:

http://www.mcbrooms.com/volvo/fast700.htm

The info provided there can get you into the 200hp range with an alarmingly small investment in time and money. If you want to get more serious, you can reach the 300+hp range pretty easily too. With that kind of power, and some reasonable suspension upgrades, I think you'd be able to run with just about anybody. And for pretty cheap, I might add.

Those punks driving daddy's car will be left wondering what hit them.

Jeff Pierce

Mel Weaver · #4 03-07-2003, 12:02 AM

PLEASE don't buy a Saab! I won't mention the dealership-but the service mgr. there won't let his wife buy one! ( I know them).
My wife wants one, I worked w/ a guy who used to tell sob stories. I love driving I 95 and seeing yet another Saab on a flatbed or on the side of the road!
Now that I've mentioned it-watch for yourself. A VERY reputable garage in Westbrook coined the phrase "tempermental".
I wish you the best in your quest for acceleration/speed in a safe car that is both durable and will hold it's value. Don't let it bother you! Where will their car be 20 years from now?
Mel

Mike Richards · #5 03-07-2003, 12:48 AM

Keep the 240D - probably one of the most reliable cars MB ever
made. I wouldn't let a punk be the cause of me giving up such
a fine car.

One way or the other, record their license plate number.

Lots of power on the WEB. For a few bucks you can find out who owns the car and where they live.

Now you're free to drop by the kids house with your adjustable crescent wrench anytime you like.

Question is - do you want to risk everything you've put together(family, home, job, etc.) over a mindless teenager?