That engine management thing means it has OBDII like all cars these days, and also it can adapt if you put in 87 octane fuel. It basically has a knock sensor that works.
As for the comparison:
I looked at the Saab before buying my WRX. Couple things made me choose the WRX over the Saab:
1)I like "character" in my cars. Personality. The WRX is a rally special. Subbie is one of the few companies who actually offer their "rally car" for sale. That gives it a little something that the Saab is missing, even though it's the same car underneath
2)I don't like the seat fabric on the 9-2. It's like a tweed. The WRX fabric is more sporty looking, and the 05 fabric is even better! It looks like carbon fiber. Pretty cool.
3)The 9-2X actually rides harsher than the WRX. The low profile tires, and I think stiffer dampers, made it quite choppy over broken pavement. I wanted the off-road suspension of the WRX for Detroit. Same with the high-profile tires.
4)Only available in wagon. I wanted a sedan or hatchback, not a wagonlet. My wife drives a wagon, don't really need two.
5)At the time I looked, the Saab was just out. Nobody was dealing on it, no financing, couldn't even use my GM card points or get supplier pricing. I got a couple grand off the sticker on my Sub, and 2.8 financing.
6)The dealers are getting mostly automatics in. The automatic is a DOG behind that motor. The car was gutless off the line, I think my wife's automatic Focus would holeshot it. I think this is a HUGE mistake in this car, thinking 90% of customers are going to want an auto. If they thought that, they should have used the 2.5, because it has much better low end torque.
7)I do like the sleek, more sophisticated styling of the Saab, but I also like the new WRX. Didn't like the bugeye so much, but the 04+ is nice. Also on the inside, I really couldnt' tell a difference, so I don't know why somebody would say the 9-2 was nicer.
