26.5.2004
On the Sunny Side

Just in time for the start of season, three of the most desirable convertibles are facing each other in a comparison test. With strong engines and good quality, the Bavarian, the Swabian and the Swede promise enjoyable open-air rides for four.

Auto Zeitung (German bi-weekly motoring magazine)
April 21, 2004
By Martin Hube
TRANSLATION

Test Vehicles
BMW 320 Ci CONVERTIBLE
170 hp, RWD, 0-100 km/h in 9.7 s, top speed 222 km/h, 37,000 euros
MERCEDES CLK 200 COMPRESSOR CONVERTIBLE
163 hp, RWD, 0-100 km/h in 10.4 s, top speed 223 km/h, 36,400 euros
SAAB 9-3 CONVERTIBLE 2.0t
175 hp, FWD, 0-100 km/h in 8.9 s, top speed 220 km/h, 34,750 euros

Outsider or established competitor – who will come in first among the noble mid-size convertibles? The new Saab 9-3 2.0t with 175 hp is competing against the BMW 320 Ci convertible and the open-air Mercedes CLK 200 Compressor.

BODY: Mercedes CLK with high body stiffness
The main assessment criteria in this chapter are available room for passengers, arrangement and clarity of the control elements, as well as body quality and workmanship. In terms of the latter, the two German competitors are clearly leading: The Mercedes convinces due to its enormous torsional rigidity, which exceeds even the high level of the BMW, and excellent workmanship. The Saab 9-3 cannot keep up with that: Its body trembles noticeably on uneven roads – despite the stabilized subframe. The Swede does not reach the high level of Mercedes and BMW in terms of the materials used, either. Particularly the black plastic dashboard support looks cheap. Operating the Northerner is easy, however: Despite many switches and buttons, the control of the latter is intuitive – only the BMW's instrument-panel support is more clearly arranged. Another plus for the Saab: Its interior offers the most generous roominess both in the front an in the rear. However, the winner in this chapter is the Mercedes: In addition to plenty of space, the CLK simply offers the highest level of quality.

DRIVING COMFORT: Mercedes with resilient spring-and-damper setting
Convertibles are unreasonable. Basically, they are no better than their closed counterparts. What is to the fore is simply the pleasure of driving top down. In order to meet that not only a dynamic tuning but also utmost driving comfort are essential. The Mercedes offers plenty of the latter. The CLK glides over even the bumpiest roads with excellent damping. Owing to the low seating position virtually below the windshield, the front passengers enjoy an almost draft-free ride. The belt guidance proves to be inconvenient. Although the seatbelts automatically move forward, they start to flap in the wind when the vehicle is driven at high speed. The BMW and Saab engineers avoid that problem by integrating the belt into the seat. In the closed Saab, only the pithy sound of the four-cylinder engine can be heard -- but only at full performance.
Noise reduction in the BMW is not quite as good. Both the strong sound of the six-cylinder at high engine speeds and the fact that the convertible top that rustles at high speed disturb the passengers' perception of comfort. However, passengers are not subject to the effects of rough roads because the BMW, too, pampers them with a resilient, but slightly stiffer suspension setup. The Saab convinces with excellently designed seats featuring active headrests (SAHR), a very well insulated top, as well as a very responsive and draft-free heating and air-conditioning system. Its stiff running characteristics prevent a better ranking.

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION: High-torque, smooth Saab turbo engine
Three manufacturers, three engine concepts and thus three different characters. BMW offers a 2.2-liter six-cylinder in-line engine and achieves the best level of smoothness in the test with this technology. The straight power unit delivers a very continuous performance and is very smooth. Unfortunately, it is not very high-torque. The engine is supported by the short transmission ratio. If you want to pass other car swiftly, the 320 Ci asks for a shift of gears, however.
Unlike the Saab: Its 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine excels with a very good propulsion power at low engine speeds. The Saab powerplant, which is boosted with 0.7 bar and soothed by two balance shafts, responds to acceleration commands without delay. Relaxed cruising or spontaneous intermediate spurts – the engine, in combination with the precisely shiftable five-speed transmission, convinces in every respect: It runs smoothly and excels with the lowest consumption. The Mercedes power unit, which has a displacement of only 1.8 liters and is boosted by a compressor, consumes 1.4 liters of fuel more per 100 kilometers and appears to be noticeably exerted. Its smooth five-speed automatic transmission convinces with spontaneous shifting operation and suits the open-air driving pleasure perfectly.

DRIVING DYNAMICS: BMW with responsive steering and best braking performance
In this traditional BMW domain, the Bavarian carmaker once again shows outstanding driving dynamics. Its precise steering and the brakes, which can be precisely controlled even in extreme conditions and achieves the best results in this test, ensure BMW's victory in this category. The suspension tuning of the Bavarian model is as communicative as usual. A marked tendency to rock and roll when driving speedily through S-curves is entirely foreign to the BMW's nature, as are sudden load-alteration effects. The latter only happen on wet roads when the ESO is switched off.

The Mercedes' suspension setup allows more pronounced body movements. Due to the indirect steering, which is not very responsive in the straight-ahead position, the driver prefers a rather cautious pace. Although the CLK safely manages the sprint over the handling course, it shows no sporty ambitions whatsoever. Rather, its terrain are country roads on which it cruises along in a superior and relaxed way. The Saab is very good at that as well but its lively turbo engine and precise turn-in ability are an invitation to step on the gas. It is a pity the direct steering is not responsive enough in the straight-ahead position. Nevertheless, the 9-3 is quite maneuverable in curvy roads. The open-air northerner reduces excess curve speed by safely understeering and the agile veering-in during load reversal is pleasant. Although the Saab's brake system is strong, it loses points due to its breaking figures. The winner in this chapter is thus the BMW.

ENVIRONMENT/COSTS: Advantage Saab – but BMW offers life-long roadside assistance
Open-air driving pleasure for four people is an extravagance. However, even at this high level, one has to differentiate clearly. Although it does not score in the category of Auto Zeitung standard equipment, the Saab offers the lowest overall price. The same is true for maintenance costs: The largest German automobile club, ADAC, established that, at 392 euros, it has the most favorable maintenance costs at an annual 20,000 kilometers (Mercedes: 583 euros, BMW: 420 euros). Due to a favorable full-coverage insurance classification, the Swede also offers the most attractive insurance deal. It is the Mercedes, however, which has the best value stability. After four years, its value is down only 14,000 euros. The BMW's bonus: It offers life-long roadside assistance. This plus over its competitors gives it a great advantage on points. Nevertheless, it does not win this chapter – but only just.

CONCLUSION
It is a perfect success: The new Saab convertible comes out on top against its strong German competitors. This success is chiefly due to its splendid powertrain. Very good seating comfort and acceptable prices also speak in favor of the Swede. The BMW once again inspires enthusiasm with great driving dynamics but suffers because of a low-torque six-cylinder engine. In addition to a harmonic engine operation, the Mercedes lacks a dynamic suspension tuning – but is unrivalled in terms of comfort.