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Old 07-13-2005, 06:18 AM
pentoman pentoman is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: England
Posts: 1,841
Chassis stiffness

How stiff are MB's chassis' generally? It is always talked about at the launch of a new car these days - i.e. the new Passat is 35% stiffer than the old one etc. etc.

My 190e sometimes creaks, probably due to twisting, when I enter the driveway which is an odd, steep angled/twisted entrance on a corner. I assume this is because of a relative lack of stiffness.. Are the '80s chassis stiff; were they any good in their day? Anybody have any figures? Are they a lot worse than a new car because of the new techniques & technologies today?



I understand chassis stiffness is very important for ride & particularly handling, so that the suspension can work its stuff how it's designed too, rather than the body twisting & acting like a very bad spring and affecting the handling.


cheers

Russell
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190E's:
2.5-16v 1990 90,000m Astral Silver
2.0E 8v 1986 107,000m Black 2nd owner
http://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall.jpghttp://www.maylane.demon.co.uk/190esmall2.jpg
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