818-S vs Roadster ride quality

[billjr212]

Hello. I'm currently in the planning/donor scouting stage for building an 818-S. I currently have a Mk3 with the 4 link rear suspension that I "finished" about 7 years ago and drive semi-regularly (~2,000 miles some years).

I'm hoping to bump that up quite a bit when/if I make the move to the 818-S. This brings me to the question that I realize is very subjective. How is the ride on the 818S compared to a 4-link roadster (I have the coil-overs in the rear)? I realize this isn't going to be daily driver "smooth" ride, but I assume with 4 wheel independent suspension and no solid axle giving huge amounts of unsprung weight, it would be much improved over the roadster. I don't mind the ride in the roadster, just looking for some level of improvement if I'm going to be driving a significantly increased number of miles. Also, always good to have a little extra ammunition when convincing the wife it's a good idea to take on another project!

Thanks!

[wallace18]

I can't answer to your 4 link but my 33 has a 3 link and it rides better than the 818S IMO. The 818 corners better though and sure does accelerate and brake better IMO.

[billjr212]

That reference point should actually help since my father in law is just finishing up a 33 with the 3 link. Thanks!

[Plebeian]

The 818 should corner and brake better than the Roadster, but I doubt if the ride itself will be better than a well set up Roadster. Whether that applies to your particular car due to it's 4 link only you will know. Power wise comparison I think the 818 is lacking, but that's just my opinion, since it depends on what you're running in your Roadster. Cheers.

[skullandbones]

I don't see how the 4 link could ride as well as an IRS on the 818. Most people agree that the IRS ride in the roadster is better for DD. I have ridden in both and the difference is easy to feel. I like the ride of the 4 link but I also like the ride of my Nissan 4x4 truck. My roadster has about a 1 inch suspension travel. It doesn't make for a real comfortable ride. The videos of the 818 IRS look like a very active suspension which should translate to a better ride. Wish I hade a direct comparison but not yet.

WEK.

[billjr212]

That was my thought as well. Given the IRS, I couldn't picture how the ride could be worse than the roadster, with the exception of any impact of pitching from what I assume is a shorter wheelbase.

I can also see how the inboard front shocks of the 33 might give it a slight edge.

[Jason Lavigne]

I think the 818 rides better than the '33, if you were to put them on the same sized tires. If you have 19s on an 818 and 15s or 17s on a '33 with a 4 link, I'd guess it might be around even. I've driven both, but not on the same day back-to-back.

Wallace18 - what do you have for tires on your '33 vs. 818?

Jason @ FFR