Saab 96 - Driving and Performance; Driving Instructions and Handling

Operation and Maintenance
Driving Instructions
Qualities of the car
General
Each type of car has its own characteristics and even cars of the
same type and make can differ considerably depending on the con
dition of the car. Wheel alignment, steering mechanism, brakes,
tires, shock absorbers etc. should therefore be kept well adjusted and
in good condition for maintaining the features designed into the car.
There are, however, other important things to consider which affect
the performance, e.g. how the car is loaded, road condition and driv
er. The following statements are thus composed exclusively with
respect to the construction of the car.
Steering Qualities
The Saab 96 is under-steered which means that, when cornering with
a certain steering deflection, the car straightens out the turning
circle as the speed increases. This feature tends to eliminate tail
skidding and provides directional stability. If, however, owing to a
brusque manoeuvre, tail skidding should occur, it is easily checked.
The under-steering is partly due to the weight distribution of the car,
which is also one of the reasons for the front wheel drive, as it gives
the maximum traction and thus better advancing possibilities on
poor roads and steep grades. Another reason for the front wheel
drive is that the car will maintain directional stability on slippery
roads even if the pedals are used carelessly.
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