which handles better?

**smokeyburnouts** · 12-08-2006, 09:59 AM

i'm in a thread in a local car forum about 3rd gen ls1 swaps and we got on the topic of handling. there are some guys saying that the 3rd gens handle better than the 4th gen, it is true? i know the rear setup is pretty much unchanged and the overall platform is similar, but i know the 4th gen got a pretty significant upgrade to the front geometry and also has wider tires, stiffer setup. i would think that would be enough to say its a alittle better than the 3rd, despite the 3rd gens slight weight advantage. i've driven a few and i didnt notice anything better about them (granted, i wasnt racing them). all of the 4th gens ive driven have been either ws6s or SSs, so i dunno if that matters. thanks.

**smokeyburnouts** · 12-11-2006, 05:14 AM

noone has any input on this at all?

**Eugenio_SS** · 12-11-2006, 10:34 AM

if comparing stock vs stock, i'd say the 4th gens... but otherwise, mods allowed, 4th gen doesn't really have any advantage... thing is that there are very quick 3rd gens out there... so hard question. There are some ppl @ frrax that might be able to take a punch @ that question.

**9T8W66** · 12-12-2006, 11:37 AM

Stock for Stock 3rd gens do handle better but not dramaticly.
They have a stiffer spring package and bigger swaybars than 4th gens
This also means they ride alot harder.
The 4th gens have more of a compromise between ride and handling.

**Eugenio_SS** · 12-12-2006, 01:51 PM

Originally Posted by 9T8W66

Stock for Stock 3rd gens do handle better but not dramaticly.
They have a stiffer spring package and bigger swaybars than 4th gens
This also means they ride alot harder.
The 4th gens have more of a compromise between ride and handling.

it's not because something rides harder that it has better handling... that tends to be harsher, and away from proper damping.
Even handling can be interpreted in many ways.
lateral g's is only 1 aspect of things, while there are slaloms, and even specific circuits that tests can be made... and even then, i'm not sure which one would win.

**9T8W66** · 12-12-2006, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Eugenio_SS

it's not because something rides harder that it has better handling... that tends to be harsher, and away from proper damping.
Even handling can be interpreted in many ways.
lateral g's is only 1 aspect of things, while there are slaloms, and even specific circuits that tests can be made... and even then, i'm not sure which one would win.

I'm inclined to agree with you.
It really is like comparing apples to oranges, the 3rd gens have a stiffer set up but aren't as stiff structurally and they don't have the power to utilize the suspension they have. I've seen a 3rd gen Formula pull a .89 average on the skid pad. the best I've seen out of a 4th gen is .87. But like you said thats only one aspect and is not truly the measure of a good handling car.
Suspension Shock and even Tire technology has come a long way since the 3rd gens were new.

**smokeyburnouts** · 12-13-2006, 04:53 AM

without question the higher end 4th gens have the better tires, which helps. also the new front end rack pinion etc surely wouldn't be worse than the 3rd gens setup would it? i realize the 3rd gens have a slight weight advantage but the 4th gens have a wider, more stable stance and i would assume more refined shocks. i just understand how the 3rd gen could be better. comparable, yes but i cant see better. but if you guys are saying that they are, then i guess it could be true. anyone else have any knowledge on this?