Took the Saab on a roadtrip...

[Nick M3]

Depending on tires, the 325/328/330 got from 60 to zero in 118-130 feet.

Not 170.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd

Depending on tires, the 325/328/330 got from 60 to zero in 118-130 feet.

Not 170.

it's hard to find a dataset from one magazine right now, maybe when i get home.

but, i would imagine that, paradoxically, the x5 4.4 would brake better since they equip the faster ones with better binders?

it is also highly dependent on tire compound, i realize. but it isn't a stretch to say that it's a lot easier to stop 3600 pounds than it is to stop 4600 with basically the same rotor swept area and same contact patch on the road.

i think the only issue with the aero at an autocross would be terminal understeer and lacking a torsen diff., it has so much torque you'd lose time because of spinning tires.

[TD]

Originally Posted by pDz

it's hard to find a dataset from one magazine right now, maybe when i get home.

but, i would imagine that, paradoxically, the x5 4.4 would brake better since they equip the faster ones with better binders?

it is also highly dependent on tire compound, i realize. but it isn't a stretch to say that it's a lot easier to stop 3600 pounds than it is to stop 4600 with basically the same rotor swept area and same contact patch on the road.

i think the only issue with the aero at an autocross would be terminal understeer and lacking a torsen diff., it has so much torque you'd lose time because of spinning tires.

Yup. Those suckers spin easily. Then the TCS (think DSC) light starts flashing like mad.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by TD

Yup. Those suckers spin easily. Then the TCS (think DSC) light starts flashing like mad.

can't speak for the aero as "we" owned the 185hp 2.3lpt wagon (5 speed), but i never got stuck in the snow, even when i was trying.

are the tires on the car all seasons or summers only, TD? let me recommend to you my new best friend, the PZero Nero M+S.......

[Masskrug]

Originally Posted by Nick325xiT 5spd

Depending on tires, the 325/328/330 got from 60 to zero in 118-130 feet.

Not 170.

Ooops, my bad.

I am quoting C&D data. They test braking from 70 mph. The 330i took 180+ feet to the 170+ of the 330i. Again, tires would definitely influence this, but the X's wear all seasons, so potentially braker shorter with hi-po tires (but lose their utility).

[Masskrug]

Originally Posted by TD

I can look up specs, but I know that the Saab has more HP and a lot mroe torque, weighs a lot less and has a lower center of gravity. It also has bigger brakes, MUCH more cargo room and, I believe, more passenger space. And it gets better gas mileage to boot.

Oh yeah, and what pDz said. I paid about half.

I think your Saab is great!

Not trying to turn this into my X vs your Saab debate re: the pros/cons of each.

I am just trying to dispel the close-mindedness that can go on on enthusiast boards.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by Masskrug

I think your Saab is great!

Not trying to turn this into my X vs your Saab debate re: the pros/cons of each.

I am just trying to dispel the close-mindedness that can go on on enthusiast boards.

hey man, i'm not closed minded, i'm just a car guy.

i've owned four SUVs myself and don't necessarily have a problem with them being so prevalent; i just think it's time to start treating them like the govts treat cars. the revenue can't hurt, can it?

i have, however, come to the conclusion that for 99.99% of the things that i need to get done, a station wagon gets it done for me --if i ever need a tow vehicle, i'd likely get a full size pickup. (this paradigm is fully predicated on a three car group of vehicles).

[nate]

Masskrug, what you should have said was that the X5 is a better snow (especially deep) vehicle.

Ground clearance + ADB-X are quite good in the white stuff.

But, then again, that wasn't an issue for TD...

[Masskrug]

Originally Posted by nate

Masskrug, what you should have said was that the X5 is a better snow (especially deep) vehicle.

Ground clearance + ADB-X are quite good in the white stuff.

But, then again, that wasn't an issue for TD...

I'm not really trying to point out what makes one vehicle better than the other. That's how flame wars and drama start.

I think the X5 is a great vehicle on its OWN merits, that's all. But one needs to be open minded to see them.

The clearance/4WD/ADB/HDC thing is ALSO great to powerslide around dirt roads rally style (wheeee! I'm a Finn!) exploring Oregon wine country.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by Masskrug

I'm not really trying to point out what makes one vehicle better than the other. That's how flame wars and drama start.

I think the X5 is a great vehicle on its OWN merits, that's all. But one needs to be open minded to see them.

The clearance/4WD/ADB/HDC thing is ALSO great to powerslide around dirt roads rally style (wheeee! I'm a Finn!) exploring Oregon wine country.

look, i don't think this is about what vehicle is better than the other, either.

if you look at the history, or if you know the history, it speaks to BMWUSA's incredible stupidity that they cannot get a decent station wagon in the US. the 325iT or 325xiT are "okay"; underpowered to an extent and smallish --not necessary to say pricey. the 525iT is ridiculous. slow & expensive. the 540iT is just flat out expensive. and it does not offer something that all of its competitors offer: all wheel drive.

it's retarded that there was never a 330iT or a 530iT. to depend on the X5 to fulfill that role is just plain greedy because BMW knows that they get more per car (as it is assembled in the US) selling X5s.......but they would have broadened their fan base if they offered the 330iT or 530iT.

all i have to do is look around the roads in boston to tell you that, every single day. there are oodles and oodles of 2.8 Avants and A6 3.0's (sedan and WAGON) on the road. not to mention that 95% of the E wagons i see are 4matic.

so: to recap, if you assess the market like TD or i would, BMW's offerings are paltry. so he got a steal of a wagon that has an interior likely nicer than most BMW interiors (except for the carpeting, i hate saab interior carpeting) and more HP than any BMW configuration except for the V8 powered 540iT or X5 4.4 --with more useful cargo space.

it's a no brainer.

it's not that the X5 here isn't as good, it's just flat out the wrong "answer" for a lot of people and BMW was being lazy and greedy about filling market niches.