[mikebuddy]

Can anyone give me first hand experience on how harsh the ride quality is on the STI?
I recently drove a 350Z and (for me) the ride quality was getting borderline close to being too hard.
My last car was a 1980 911 that left me too beat up to keep the car.
Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[daghdha]

I was expecting pretty harsh, but to be honest, I didn't think it was too stiff. It was stiffer than my integra GSR, and I have to slow down a little over bad railroad tracks to prevent myself from being jarred around, but I've driven 50 mile round trips on chicago highways and I didn't feel it jarring my kidneys or anything. I commute 20 miles one way on local roads and I feel comfortable doing that every day.

I thought it would be harsh, but the sti soaks up the bumps suprisingly well for me.

 

[CloNeGTS]

The suspension is rather amazing. I got a ride in BleedPurple's baby the other day. In comparison to the suspension that I thought was pretty well setup on my Celica, the rough stuff wasn't too bad, in fact, it was very well behaved on sharp bumps like pot holes. And then, of course, the overall stability and sureness of the car was unreal.

It seems to be a great combination. It's really tough when you want it to be, but then when it's in harsh conditions, it isn't too bad at all.

BTW...I was most impressed with the structural stability of the car. Made my Celica feel like it was built with popsicle sticks and duct tape.

 

[mikebuddy]

Thank you both for the response.
It was music to my ears.
I'm tappin my fingers waiting for the dealer to call my number!

 

[Rafal]

thx

If Z was harsh for you STi would not suite you. I love it but it's stiffer then Z for sure.

 

[Guru]

Re: Tall People the STi, and Spoiler removal

Umm, it's a rough one that's for sure. Let's just say my Tein RA's with 6/5 spring rates rode much better than my stock STi. Thankfully I never drive the car.

 

[4MLA1FN]

it's harsh. definately not a car to carry your family around. get a wrx.

 

[mikebuddy]

Naaa, I test drove a wrx, not nearly enough low end torque for me.
I think I'll take my chances and go for the sti.
I guess I can have speed and handling or I can have a couch, but not both.

 

[mikebuddy]

okay,,, next question.
Where would you start if you wanted to take some of the "edge" off of the harshness?
I'm assuming I'll give up some of the race car capabilities, but I gotta be real. I live in Chicago, will use it for a comuter 5 days a week.

 

[4MLA1FN]

the easiest change is probably to take off those rubberbands they call tires, ship them COD to me, and go get some 225/75/17 police cruiser tires.

 

[darwood]

4MLA1FN,

Please tell me you meant 225/75/15. Even a 225/75/15 is a truck tire. I can't even imagine a 225/75/17 on a car.

They will ride very nice though... need to cut the fenders a bit...