[P-51]

naz,Sep 19 2007, 09:20 AM Wrote:

P-51,Aug 31 2007, 08: Wrote:You're all wrong.  Stiffer suspensions in general, decrease grip in winter conditions.
[right][snapback]248071[/snapback][/right]

what am i not taking into account?

thanks
[right][snapback]249057[/snapback][/right]

The fact that he only changed the stiffness at one end. So, the outside rear tire will carry more load than the outside front. So, it will lose grip first, thus, oversteer.

As far as explaining why the general statement is true that stiff suspensions aren't good for slippery conditions... I'm not really qualified to say. I just know it's a fact, as evidenced by it being the status quo for racecar setup.

I know why it would be true for rough roads, but don't know the science behind smooth, but slippery roads.

I think it may be the case that... directionally, cars with softer suspension would have more grip than stiff cars *if* they didn't roll and lose camber.

So it's a tradeoff. Softer suspension might offer more grip, but you need to prevent roll and loss of contact patch.