Re: multi links, Prelude, 328i vs. A4 2.8q ?

[Stilian <default@manatee.naxs.com>]

ckuo@sprynet.com wrote:

> Actually, there used to be a European car that matches or exceeds the current
> Prelude as the best FWD handling car. Unfortunately, they don't make it anymore;
> the VW Corrado SLC. As I recall, it was widely considered to be the best
> handling FWD car made. It also had MacPherson struts, and it had VW's relatively
> simple, but highly effective twist beam axle. In some ways, simple is better.
> Less linkages means less bushings to wear out.
>
> It's too bad they don't have a successor for the Corrado, but the latest rage is
> four door performance and four door convenience. (A4 and Passat!)
>
> Chauncey Kuo
> ckuo@sprynet.com

The Corrado SLC VR6 was too front heavy to be the best FWD car. It was a nice car,
but nothing spectacular in terms of performance -power handling, etc. it had the
looks though sorta like the BMW 8 series. And from what I hear the successor of the
Corrado - the CJ Coupe is going to be released in Europe in 2000 with reworked VR6
24v 215hp engine.As for the multilink suspension, one can tune a strut /twist beam
to outperform/handle a multilink car, but has to compromise too much ride quality.
This is the beauty of multilink suspension good handling (camber and roll control)
and good ride, not like my 86 GTI stiffly sprung to handle good with terrible ride
quality. If a multilink car is tuned using the same stiffness as a strut/beam axle
one I seriously doubt their handling will be even comparable. After all why did BMW,
Porsche, Audi, MB start to implement various types of multilink suspensions in their
cars. I doubt it is only for marketing reasons. And Audi's front and rear multilink
design is one of the best (if not the best) out of the bunch. That does not make up
for the pathetic 205/55/16 "sports" tires/rims and softer damping rates and longer
travel. I wander how the Audi will do just with the BMW rims and tires - 225/45/17.

Stilian