Is lower always better?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 247
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From: Vancouver, WA
2001 C240 / 6-speed
Is lower always better?
This is probably a flame magnet, but I really think there is an obsession with the amount that various springs, cup kits and other devices lower the car.
Why is there so much obsession with the looks that a suspension creates, seemingly without regard to the performance? Lower does not always mean better performance. In fact, there is a sweet spot between stock and "dropped to the ground" that handily outperforms either.
Does anyone consider performance first, then asthetics?
Am I missing something?
Why is there so much obsession with the looks that a suspension creates, seemingly without regard to the performance? Lower does not always mean better performance. In fact, there is a sweet spot between stock and "dropped to the ground" that handily outperforms either.
Does anyone consider performance first, then asthetics?
Am I missing something?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 370
Likes: 1
From: Miami, Florida
2001 C240
even i have to laugh i that one... but anyhow... my suspension change from stock to h&r springs and now the h&r cup kit was night and day each time... i am so happy with the way the cup kit handles and rides for me... and i'm also happy with the looks... i consider both when buying suspension... how will it perform first then how it will look. But i think both are important.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Re: Is lower always better?
Originally posted by patronus
This is probably a flame magnet, but I really think there is an obsession with the amount that various springs, cup kits and other devices lower the car.
Why is there so much obsession with the looks that a suspension creates, seemingly without regard to the performance? Lower does not always mean better performance. In fact, there is a sweet spot between stock and "dropped to the ground" that handily outperforms either.
Does anyone consider performance first, then asthetics?
Am I missing something?
This is probably a flame magnet, but I really think there is an obsession with the amount that various springs, cup kits and other devices lower the car.
Why is there so much obsession with the looks that a suspension creates, seemingly without regard to the performance? Lower does not always mean better performance. In fact, there is a sweet spot between stock and "dropped to the ground" that handily outperforms either.
Does anyone consider performance first, then asthetics?
Am I missing something?
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 738
Likes: 0
'01 C240/6
Originally posted by session
i would never put a different suspension on my car for aesthetic reasons... that even SOUNDS ridiculous. that's like saying you've added a rear locking differential for looks.
i would never put a different suspension on my car for aesthetic reasons... that even SOUNDS ridiculous. that's like saying you've added a rear locking differential for looks.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, WA
2001 C240 / 6-speed
Ringo,
Why is it about having the lowest car? To look cool to your friends?
Must be, because it sure would not perform well, perhaps worse than stock.
I guess I just don't get it. Too old or too serious about real performance. Maybe I just don't give a rip what others think.
I will stop trying to understand and focus my effort elsewhere.
Why is it about having the lowest car? To look cool to your friends?
Must be, because it sure would not perform well, perhaps worse than stock.
I guess I just don't get it. Too old or too serious about real performance. Maybe I just don't give a rip what others think.
I will stop trying to understand and focus my effort elsewhere.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
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From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
I think a lot of people drop the car for looks rather than performance. I recall seeing on this forum numerous times people mentioning that they've dropped the car because they didn't like the stock body/wheel gaps (which are huge on the W203, especially in the front); to be fair, about the same number of people complain about the soft stock springs. I've also seen people post about additional drop after installing performace springs that didn't drop the car as much as they wanted (this is obviously for aesthetics).
Large diameter wheels are even more for looks. Race cars need big wheels so that they can run larger brakes, this gives them a performace advantage that offsets the added unsprung weight and power lost to spinning heavier wheels.
- BT
Large diameter wheels are even more for looks. Race cars need big wheels so that they can run larger brakes, this gives them a performace advantage that offsets the added unsprung weight and power lost to spinning heavier wheels.
- BT
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 12,403
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From: South Florida
Fast Cars!
i think i would lower the car for both, as much as i want the performance to be the best everyone does things for looks. if not we would all be driving around in a subaru WRX great performance and it looks ugly. IMHO.
now people also buy a car for looks. if the c230 looked like a 2 door toyota echo would anyone buy it if it had the same performance as the c230?
nothings wrong with doing a good performance mod if it makes your car look better 2.
now people also buy a car for looks. if the c230 looked like a 2 door toyota echo would anyone buy it if it had the same performance as the c230?
nothings wrong with doing a good performance mod if it makes your car look better 2.
