Scrappy Saab comes up a bit of brief.
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 verify for your self—it looks like Volvo gained this showdown.
Revealed for the 1972 mannequin 12 months, this advert for the Saab 99, the one Saab offered 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—at the very least in Europe–was no much less intense that the Chevrolet/Ford entrenchments right here within the Sates.
What we be taught 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 nicely, 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 choice for working nude on the workplace.
Now, the Saab does recuperate—a bit. Scroll down the record 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, power absorbing bumpers, and dual-channel brakes.
What’s humorous, is that the majority interval automotive fanatics with an urge for food for Swedish steel seemingly 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 gas economic 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 of us 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.
Fact be identified; this editor would have gone with the Saab. It’s basic quirkiness relative to the Volvo’s extra stolid nature is sufficient of a promoting level for me. Additionally, the Saab simply seems to be cool, and once you’re procuring esoteric European small vehicles, that counts for one thing.
Hearken to the Automobile Stuff Podcast
1972 Saab 99E Footage
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
Halifax: Volvo’s Forgotten North American Manufacturing facility
