SAAB and ALFA

[C M Smith <cmsmith@domain.elided>]

I have an 86 9000 Turbo and a 91 ALFA 164, both 5 speed models. Really 
there's not much to choose between ALFA and SAAB from an enthusiast's point 
of view. While most people are more likely to prefer one over the other, 
they each exude the character of a true driver's car. I love both and revel 
in the radically different driving experiences available from two such 
closely related cars.

SAAB is marginally preferable in winter, but not for handling reasons. 
SAABs are basically unbeatable winter weather cars for comfort and 
convenience. The ALFA 164 is a truly phenomenal winter car from a handling 
point of view.

The ALFA drivetrain is much more refined than the SAAB, but the SAAB is 
quicker when the boost is on. The ALFA chassis is much superior on bare 
pavement, but the SAAB excels when the going gets rough. Both cars are rock 
steady up to maximum speed and when the brakes are applied they decelerate 
as if a giant hand descends upon them from the heavens.

As for the 83 900 T needing repairs, as for ALFAs, constant maintenance is 
essential to avoid having a money pit on your hands. Well maintained SAABs 
and ALFAs tend to be very reliable and relatively economical to own. I 
owned a 84 900 Turbo which required constant love and attention, but proved 
ultimately to be a very durable car.

  There is a known weakness in the sump gasket: early 900s, and the 99s 
before that, were assembled without two bolts behind the flywheel, which 
left that section of the gasket unsupported. Later gaskets had a steel 
insert which supposedly strengthened the section behind the flywheel. A 
better solution was to install the missing bolts, which was the official 
factory fix until the steel lined gasket came out.

  Other than that and a weakness in the head and the head gasket for some 
of the 8 valve 900s, they are basically bulletproof until the body rots, 
which takes a while. The 85 and later 900s were equipped with the better 16 
valve engine, but 85 was the only year a 4 door turbo was available with 
the 16 valve.

  The 82, and possibly the 83, had a brainless water pump installation 
also, the impeller was "conveniently" mounted in a casting integral 
with  the block!!! so if the impeller ever disintegrated, the block was a 
mess, in worst cases, the block was toast. The later engines had the 
jackshaft removed and the distributor driven off the camshaft (exhaust in 
the 85 and later 16 valve twin cam), with a regular water pump driven off 
the crank by a belt as per normal.

  A 9000 is an excellent choice to replace the 900 if you choose to 
upgrade. The 94 and later Aero models, while rare, are the ones to seek 
out. Higher output engines and suspension upgrades to match are the 
principal virtues. But any 9000 can be made to run with the best of them 
for not too much money. A turbo SAAB can always be modified to blow any 164 
made into the weeds, because a street engine with a turbo really is limited 
only by how much boost you can achieve and desired levels of durability. 
The ALFA 164 V6 is very well sorted from the factory and improving it can 
be a costly proposition. The 9000 is about 10% lighter than the 164, which 
is a shame because the 164 really feels the excess pounds.


Michael Smith
Calgary, Alberta
Canada
91 Alfa 164L, White, original owner

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