Suspension differences between European and US 451?

[tbone28]

I know that the 450 and 451 have different suspension designs, but wondering if the European 451 has the same design as the US 451. Does anyone know or have diagrams?

TIA

[headless]

Don't know for sure and it would be very difficult to find out, and piccies would'nt help as probably on the ouside it would look the same, but usually what European manufacturers do for the American market is soften up the suspension as you guys like a softer ride than us Europeans.
Your roads are straighter and smoother, so a nice comfy ride is preferred, whereas in Europe handling is more of an issue, so the suspension is stiffer.
I have had a Jeep Cherokee and the car was beautifully smooth to drive, lovely and floaty and you did'nt feel the bumps, but the handling was awful, did'nt do corners, and I have driven a Chevy Impala 2,500 miles, doing a tour of the Canadian Rockies and that was an awesome tourer, you could drive 10 hours in a day and get out as fresh as a daisy.
smarts in this country have a reputation of being stiff and crashy over bumps, but they handle fairly well.
Hope this helps.
Ellis

[tbone28]

Thanks, Ellis. I'm not as concerned with the difference in comfort vs. performance level, as I am with whether or not a coilover setup made for the European 451 will bolt onto a US 451.

[jwight]

stiff and crashy over bumps

It appears we get the same suspension over here.

[Karl Roth]

Originally Posted by tbone28

Thanks, Ellis. I'm not as concerned with the difference in comfort vs. performance level, as I am with whether or not a coilover setup made for the European 451 will bolt onto a US 451.

The hard points on the car would be the same regardless, so yes it would "fit"
karl

[tbone28]

Originally Posted by Karl Roth

The hard points on the car would be the same regardless, so yes it would "fit"
karl

Thanks

[headless]

Originally Posted by tbone28

Thanks, Ellis. I'm not as concerned with the difference in comfort vs. performance level, as I am with whether or not a coilover setup made for the European 451 will bolt onto a US 451.

Well in that case, the answer is yes, been on to a good British company, smartparts direct and they have a full set of Brabus suspension for a 451 listed and it says they sold the set shown in the piccy to a customer in California.
Ellis

[tbone28]

Thanks, Ellis!

[mdfortwoguy]

IIRC, the Euro Passion and Pure are the same as ours. The Pulse has different springs I think... can't find where I read it at - will update if I can.