OK, as some of you "regulars" know, I have been a long time enthusiast
of both SAAB and BMW cars.  I've owned 6 different SAABs and 4 different
BMWs over the years.  Most recently I had been leaning toward the "blau
mit weis" primarily for handling performance reasons.  I still prefer
the feel of RWD in a performance car and do not find it a major
detriment when the going gets sloppy.

But after reading (in this news group, among other places) about how
much improved the chassis and handling on the 9-3 Sport Sedans I finally
went out and test drove a few of them this past week.

Actually, I started out by looking at a new 9-2x with a 5 speed.  They
are being attractively priced and dealers are taking $3000 off the top
before negotiations.  I was underwhelmed.  I thought it was seriously
underpowered (at least in the normally aspirated versions) and the
engine was far buzzier than what I expected, considering the boxer 4
design.

For about the same price, I started looking at some off-lease, low
mileage 2003 9-3 Linear Sport Sedans.  I was suitably impressed.  The
engineers have done a darned good job eliminating most (if not all) of
the complaints that I had with the prior 9-3 chassis.  There is none of
the prior torque steering, sloppy shifting in the manual, or the delayed
throttle release that drove me crazy with my prior 2000 9-3 convertible.
 It also has much better road manners at highway speeds and in
aggressive cornering.  I was intrigued.

Then I drove an '03 Vector.  Wow.

...I pick it up tomorrow.