Tell me about it, I had two over a quite a few years. We spent lots of winters up in the Scottish highlands and so experienced it´s capabilities in the snow. The only downside was the cast iron cylinder heads of the V4 engine, they took an age to warm up in winter and so keeping the windscreen defrosted and demisted was a slow job. My next car, a VOLVO 340 had aluminium heads and was much faster to supply warm air to the heater. I fitted mud and snow tyres on the front wheels of the Saab and they made a massive difference to winter snow traction. Before the Saab I had a beetle and because of the rear engine position it was also very capable in snow but you had to be very wary of not losing the front end. A good indicator that the Beetles front wheels were locked up in snow was when the speedo needle dropped to zero whilst you were still moving forwards.
Yes it takes a while to heat up, but once warm the heater is hotter than the midday sun - so the cabin is a good place to be on a winter's drive. I've never had a Beetle, but the key to traction is having the engine weight over the driving wheels I think. Sounds like the beetle speedometer drive came from the front wheel. I've never thought about it, but it makes sense.
@@stevesworkshop2194 Yes, the square end to the speedo drive cable came through a steel pressed in bearing cover cap in the middle of the front left hand wheel hub. It was secured by a split pin. All a bit crude maybe, but it worked and replacement of cable if ever needed was dead simple.
I hear you, but snow round here is quite rare. This video was in 2012 and I think we've had snow only twice since! The UK transport infrastructure is not well adapted to winter, we just salt the roads a slide around on our summer tyres. I am not sure you can even buy electric engine heaters here.🤥
Almost forgotten that, sometime around yr 1967, switched traffic lanes overnight. But most retro SAAB car vids I see are going by the right lane and left side steering. yes I was born mid sixties, neighbor country, were right lane traffic is used. Never heard any complaints how they switched over, have&had few a relatives over there that also drove on those roads at that time in the west. And yes, been to a few countries where is a left lane traffic. Confusing.
Hi David. The car is a 1971 model. I'm just an ordinary driver, but In the slippery conditions it holds the road reassuringly. It is a light car with thin tyres, FWD and modest power, which helps it in the snow. In this respect it is better than a newer car fitted with wide tyres, especially the rear wheel drive ones.
@@stevesworkshop2194 Thanks for the information. It really is lovely. I have never driven on snow or ice, so am clueless in that regard! Regards, David
I envy you ! It’s always been my favorite Saab. I used to drive a 9000 cs Talladega and a 9-3 sedan , I couldn’t find a 96 V4 in my country and my wife can’t drive manual. Do you have to pay higher taxes because it pollutes more than the current cars ? Is it difficult to find an insurance for such oldies ?
Hi Eddie. This video was made 8 years ago, but I still have the car. I drive it regularly in all weathers. Although it's old it has good brakes, twin speed wipers, a good heater, bright lights and good road holding. It can move with modern traffic and is quite comfortable.
Perfect demonstration of what a V4 Saab is.
Ha - yes. It's the most fun in the snow.
My first car, a 1970 savanna beige. Salted roads killed the body, but the machinery was perfect. This clip really made me miss it....
The sound!
Tell me about it, I had two over a quite a few years. We spent lots of winters up in the Scottish highlands and so experienced it´s capabilities in the snow. The only downside was the cast iron cylinder heads of the V4 engine, they took an age to warm up in winter and so keeping the windscreen defrosted and demisted was a slow job. My next car, a VOLVO 340 had aluminium heads and was much faster to supply warm air to the heater. I fitted mud and snow tyres on the front wheels of the Saab and they made a massive difference to winter snow traction. Before the Saab I had a beetle and because of the rear engine position it was also very capable in snow but you had to be very wary of not losing the front end. A good indicator that the Beetles front wheels were locked up in snow was when the speedo needle dropped to zero whilst you were still moving forwards.
Yes it takes a while to heat up, but once warm the heater is hotter than the midday sun - so the cabin is a good place to be on a winter's drive.
I've never had a Beetle, but the key to traction is having the engine weight over the driving wheels I think.
Sounds like the beetle speedometer drive came from the front wheel. I've never thought about it, but it makes sense.
@@stevesworkshop2194 Yes, the square end to the speedo drive cable came through a steel pressed in bearing cover cap in the middle of the front left hand wheel hub. It was secured by a split pin. All a bit crude maybe, but it worked and replacement of cable if ever needed was dead simple.
Sounds as sweet as a nut.............Great video, cheers.
+thornwarbler Thanks. It runs well for a standard V4.
Starts right up! :)
Yes - its a good winter car.
Nothing goes through Snow like a SAAB...Quote from Top Gear
I'd have to agree. For a 2-wheel drive car it is one of the best.
You should really install an electric engine heater instead of those cold starts. Both for the engine and the pollution of the environment. Nice car!
I hear you, but snow round here is quite rare. This video was in 2012 and I think we've had snow only twice since!
The UK transport infrastructure is not well adapted to winter, we just salt the roads a slide around on our summer tyres.
I am not sure you can even buy electric engine heaters here.🤥
Yeap, left side driving, before Dagen H :)
Almost forgotten that, sometime around yr 1967, switched traffic lanes overnight. But most retro SAAB car vids I see are going by the right lane and left side steering. yes I was born mid sixties, neighbor country, were right lane traffic is used. Never heard any complaints how they switched over, have&had few a relatives over there that also drove on those roads at that time in the west.
And yes, been to a few countries where is a left lane traffic. Confusing.
Beautiful car (and scenery), but I'd be terrified to drive under those conditions in any car!
What vintage is your 96? Regards, David
Hi David. The car is a 1971 model.
I'm just an ordinary driver, but In the slippery conditions it holds the road reassuringly.
It is a light car with thin tyres, FWD and modest power, which helps it in the snow.
In this respect it is better than a newer car fitted with wide tyres, especially the rear wheel drive ones.
@@stevesworkshop2194 Thanks for the information. It really is lovely. I have never driven on snow or ice, so am clueless in that regard! Regards, David
I envy you ! It’s always been my favorite Saab. I used to drive a 9000 cs Talladega and a 9-3 sedan , I couldn’t find a 96 V4 in my country and my wife can’t drive manual. Do you have to pay higher taxes because it pollutes more than the current cars ? Is it difficult to find an insurance for such oldies ?
Want one! What’s it like as a daily driver?
Hi Eddie. This video was made 8 years ago, but I still have the car. I drive it regularly in all weathers. Although it's old it has good brakes, twin speed wipers, a good heater, bright lights and good road holding. It can move with modern traffic and is quite comfortable.
Steves Workshop I love the idea of a classic like this getting used and excelling in the worst conditions. Long may it continue to serve you!
@@eddieallen6401Thanks Eddie. I hope you find yourself a classic soon.
@@stevesworkshop2194 Make sure the wheel mounts don't rust away. My parents had to scrap theirs when wheel mounts sheared off testing new brake pads.
@@johndododoe1411 Yikes! that sounds scary. I'll look out for it.
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