Been looking at some new shocks for the tin top - currently looking at bilsteins.

I've got two in mind, but they have different damping rates. I understand that the first figure is compression and the second rebound, also obviously realise that the greater numbers will give a greater damping force, but how do I corelate that to other figures?
ie how can I compare the figures to see approx what % stiffer they are compared to each other and to standard shocks.
Can't remember the figures as I've left them at home - but from memory something like -
Set 1 - 185/80
Set 2 - 254/125

Tried Google to try and find something, but as usual can't find anything that helps.

Can anyone help me with any links they know of or explain what the numbers are and how to compare.

EDIT -
checked rates and they are -
Set 1 - 245/82
Set 2 - 257/118


Many thanks

Romer

[Edited on 24/4/09 by romer]

Rebound is higher than bump/compression. The rates don't say much since you don't have the full graph. The 2nd set has more bump so it should be more aggressive.