The 1976 Saab 99EMS is considered one of the finest sporting sedans available in the U.S. While many cars of the era were affected by new regulations, Saab reportedly enhanced the 99EMS's performance and handling.
The 1976 model features a 2.0-liter engine, which is said to produce more power than previous versions. The car's handling has also been improved with the addition of well-tuned Bilstein gas-filled shock absorbers, stiffer rear springs, and a front air dam derived from the company’s rally-team 99s. It also comes equipped with Pirelli CN36 tires and quicker steering.
The new Saab EMS is described as a functional four-seat vehicle offering solid performance. Its engine is noted for being clean, catalyst-free, and powerful. The car features Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, which is reportedly more responsive than earlier electronic or carbureted systems.
The steering has been quickened from 4.1 turns lock-to-lock to 3.4 turns, and a front weight bias of 61.4 percent contributes to its maneuverability. The suspension is characterized as taut and firm. These updates mark a significant refinement for the Saab 99, distinguishing the 1976 EMS from earlier models that were primarily cosmetic upgrades.