Solid axle==cheap & very high strength. An IRS is not gonna beat it in that dept.
I'm pretty confident the aftermarket will push the newer solid axle design to a level we've never seen. Imagine a solid axle stang with a longer wheel base, better weight distribution, wider track--hmmm... sounds like the old Y2KR (and that really handled!!!) And considering it's got the features we've complained about for years missing in the SN95 platform, I think the issue of keeping up w/the "canyon carvers" becomes history. So there's a lot of potential for solid axle handling. I think those looking for "the luxury" (ride quality, smoothness, no drama in handling, STATUS), the IRS is gonna be the ticket. As for performance, I see only a slight advantage eventually w/ the IRS (as long as there's an aftermarket
). For example, my WRX only feels better in the bumps, and about the same as my "bullitized GT" on the straights. It has the same skidpad #'s as the current Cobra, BUT if you start modding that
suspension, it *will* end up feeling like any lowered stang (very firm!). And up the turbo boost? Say good bye to snow/rain traction, etc... (ok, dry traction is....excellent!) So in the end, we're all in the same boat.
Also, since the aftermarket can make the current stang ride as good as an IRS car
on the open track (i.e. only problem on the street is the bumps/bump steer!), any problems with the new design can be addressed with the long-standing knowledge/experience from the Fox/SN95 platforms.
No matter what's your favor (solid v. IRS), we all
still try to go in a straight line as fast as possible. Choose your weapons wisely