[Shad Laws]

Hello-

Let's say I have a choice of building a Super Beetle (1302 or 1303 for those not in the USA) or a Standard Beetle with balljoint front and IRS rear suspension. Which works better for street/autocross/time trial/race etc?

Tuned properly, the MacPherson strut suspension kicks *** over the twin trailing arm garbage (with unequal-length tie rods to boot!).


The Porsche 356 does well I imagine on the track with essentially the same suspension up front as the Standard Beetle.

Porsche was awfully quick to drop both the crappy twin trailing arm front suspension and the even crappier rear swingaxle system like lead weights when the big 901 redesign came around. It wasn't even a thought in their mind to keep them... they are quite poor compared to more "modern" (i.e. not even all that modern) designs.


The Porsche 911 uses a similar front set-up to the Super Beetle (1302 & 1303) and obviously works very well.

Yes indeed! It still isn't the absolute best, but it's a big step in the right direction.

I keep threatening to rip out my T3 front suspension... I hate it... I spy with my little eye an early 928 with 944-like front brakes to keep...

Take care,