lets put my head in the noose over this subject air bags v coils on p38 can you very
well versed land rover saloon bar experts explain why a disco runs coils
and is safe and p38 on coils is not when the chassis design is to all intents
the same lets leave type approval out of this i would be happy to take a p38 on
coli springs to an sva test to put this to bed once and for all come on boys bring it on
you started this i do however accept that air springs give a better ride on the road and
allow a faster drive so when you do crash the results are spectacular do people not buy the
range rover for its off road performance not for posing down the pub
Think like others have said, you've missed the point on this.
The reason the P38 is on air to begin with is its a much smother ride; it handles better in every driving condition because of the use of air.
When it comes to safety the P38 was not designed on springs, so the weight distribution and anti-roll setup has not been designed to cope with out the extra support of the air bags that become progressively stiffer as they compress giving extra support under cornering.
The disco doesnt corner anywhere near as good as the P38. The disco body is lighter and the weight distribution is different as it was designed and tested on springs. On the D2 disco they developed active anti-roll to try and improve the roll even further to make it as good as the p38 and even included air suspension on the back to help with this. (Again shows air is better)
So back to safety, to get the P38 as safe on springs as air a real engineering wiz would need to take the geometry of the P38 while its cornering under different conditions and then developed a progressive spring and damping combination to be able to provide a smooth ride but also provide cornering stability but still allowing for active damping under load, Much like land rover would of done if the chose to use springs.
As no one is that interested in doing that they just sell a spring they think will hold the weight x4.... who cares the p38 isnt balanced over all 4 wheels.... and then let you throw it round corners.
Ive only ever driven one on springs and it convinced me never to buy one!
Oh and incidentally the X5 (close to the L322) comes on springs and air..... The basic is on springs.... the comfort has springs up front and air on the back..... The SPORT has air all round as its more stable and reacts better and faster than springs.
Ok its nothing compared to the mighty P38 but it shows that even more modern cars still use air as a better option to springs.
As for you last comment. No people buy a Range Rover for the joy and ride comfort on the road and the knowledge that it WILL climb every mountain in the same comfort it handles every road. Not just for posing down the pub.
).
