swingaxle vs irs

It is possible to determine just by looking at pictures (ie. camber of the wheels/ how low it sits) whether the speedster was based on an IRS or Swing axle Beetle?

I think as a general rule, the lower a speedster (swing axel)
sits, the more negative camber in the rear. IRS speedsters tend to maintain a stance where the tire close to perpendicular (slight negative camber) at rest or under acceleration. Swing axels are very noticable negative during hard acceleration.
ed

Better and safer handling. If it wasn't they wouldn't have switched to IRS as it is a more expensive setup.

(Message Edited 2/15/2003 12:46:52 PM)

I can never tell for sure, unless the rear suspension has a real camber to it. Usually, I have to look under the car.
Ron

A swingaxle works like a door hinge. It's good for cruising but that's about it! I've got a swingaxle in my car, wouldn't do that again though! Swing axles are scary to drive through a corner fast, if you lift the pedal the rear end is going to come around so all you can do is just balance the car though the turn hoping the turn doesn't get tighter so that you have to lift throttle. My 2003 civic handles better than my Speedster by far but sure doesn't feel as cool!

J-p

Swing axle trannies tend to be stronger and require less maintenance. With a camber compensator or a rear sway bar, the handling can be tamed.

IRS handling is far superior.

(Message Edited 2/16/2003 8:39:09 AM)

Swing axle cars are likely to be wide 5 wheel lugnug patterns. IRS is likely to be 4 bolt or converted to a porsche pattern. Just a general observation. There are some IRS that are converted to wide 5 pattern to look more authentic.