I believe that is true for older models, but I'm not convinced it still applies. Volvos are Ford based and Saabs are Vauxhalls in a party frock. At least the Volvos start with a decent chassis - my Saab 95 is based on a Vectra
I ran a Saab 9000 for a long time and loved it. It was a proper drivers car, the steering and brakes inspired utter confidence. Very refined, comfy and quiet plus it was the first car to knock Volvo off the top of the safety ladder.
When it eventually became uneconomic to repair I upgraded to a W-reg Saab 95 Estate. Very comfy, but not a drivers car. Fast A-road driving in the wet is a fairly buttock clenching experience and early morning Cheddar Gorge at this time of year doesn't even have to be fast to be scary - yet I never had a problem with the 9000!
The roads are once again getting slippy and I've had enough. Just splashed out on a nice 520d estate which I pick up next week. If the reviews are anything to go by then the handing is going to be a revelation, if it's as good as the 9000 I'll be ecstatic. The reviews also say power is more than adequate (250 ft/lbs torque) despite averaging 50mpg! First trip is to the wild west coast of Scotland for New Year and I'm really looking forward to it.