Not all cars are made equal. We’re well aware of that on Car Articles, comparing as we do 0-62 times, braking distances, top speeds and much more. However, one thing talked about far less, yet probably more important that most of those other things, is ride quality. Why is that? Let’s have a think…
Ride quality?
Simply put, this is how comfortable you are when driving or being a passenger, and how well the car travels along the road. Fairly straightforward.
Why does it get overlooked?
Probably because it is far, far more difficult to quantify than simply saying ‘this car does 0-62 in 8 seconds’.
Why is it so important?
If a car rides like the proverbial bag of spanners, then even over a short distance of say a few miles your back may hurt, the wheel alignment might be out after it harshly crashed over some potholes and passengers may have spilled coffee over themselves as the car bounces about.
What can affect ride quality?
This is governed by so many factors it is hard to list. I’d include however everything from seats and their position, to spring rates and dampers as well as tyres. Having super low profiles fitted may look cool but you’ve then got far less tyre to absorb the rough bumps and dips as you come across them.
So should I consider it more
Yes. Ride should be key to your purchase, along with everything else. If you feel twisted in your seat, are slammed about due to an overly bumpy ride or become sick of having to press the loud pedal until the needle is buried into the redline every time, warning signals should sound. Equally, a sore back after two minutes behind the wheel should tell you that something is not right.
Why the picture of the McLaren?
Simple. The McLaren MP4-12C is one of the best riding cars ever made. Why? An extremely clever, totally independent suspension set up for each wheel which is centrally controlled by computer. Extremely complex but supremely good at keeping all four wheels on the road without sending jarring feelings up to the driver.
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