Spring rates, right.

People seem to be using in the region of 275 lb/inch front, 175 lb/inch in the back.
On a car that weighs, say 600 kg.

with 100% ratio on the back (live axle) and (ballpark) 60% on the front (or did I get that wrong).

Well anyway, the point being:
So what do road cars use?

Any ideas how I could find out?

For a start: what does the cortina use ??

I guess where I'm going is:
On one hand you've a road car that is a bit soft in the ride, and on the other a sporty little thing about half the weight and a much firmer ride -
Would the spring rates be comparable, or does a minor change in rate make a major difference in handling?

thanks,
Greg H

The spring rates would be completely different. There's a huge difference in weight.

Road cars (especially Cortina and alike) are made to be driven around town, over curb's etc... giving a smooth ride, and ok handling. Where as the locost is built to be driven hard round corners, fly off down the road, etc etc... they just dont compare.

If you have soft suspension on a locost it would probably lean too much and wreck the handling.

The only thing that compares is our Old Mini, even then the spring rates are much different.