Suspension

[lucid]

Hi just a quick query.

Just wondering if anyone knows if there is a marked difference between the suspension levels between an S and an SE model.

I have the 1.6 (105) TDI S with the 15inch alloys that were the only available extras.

Whereas the SE had the 16inch alloys as standard. Now I can't help but notice when i see the 2 cars next to each other looking at the line of the roof that mine rises up at the back while the SE seems more flat tailing off at the back as though the suspension was lower. Obviously there is a difference in the distance between the edge of the wheels and the wheel arch but it does seem more than it should be.

[percymon]

The basis S and SE suspensions are the same.

Despite the 16" alloys the overall diameter of the S and SE wheels is near enough the same - 195/65/15 and 205/55/16 are within 0.5% of each other.

My SE looks a bit odd parked next to an S currently as i have the optional sports (lowered) suspension on mine and its currently fitted with 15" steel wheels and trim (winters).

I'm not aware the roofline and tailgate spoiler are any different from an S and SE, it was only the GTI and GTD that had the bigger upper tailgate spoiler.

If one of the two cars has a load int he boot, or a full tank of fuel (60Kg) this could make a visual difference. Also if one car is virtually new and another has 20k miles on it then there will be differences due to wear n tear and settlement of suspension components.

[percymon]

One other thought - there may be different springs on a TDI compared to a TSI, due to the extra weight of the TDI engine - although i'd imagine the rear suspension would be the same.

[lucid]

I had noticed this before when looking at other cars as most i see are SE's. Re the roofline I didn't mean any physical differences other than with the suspension seeming higher at the back with mine compared with all the SE's I've seen. I managed to get a pic of the cars yesterday as there was another SE TDI parked next to mine and could see the difference, will see if i can post the pics here shortly.

Flick between the two images and you can see what i mean, mine seems almost "on tip toes" at the back. And the clearance from the bottom of the car to the road in front of the rear wheel seems much more than any other Golf 6 i have seen.