What’s Suspension For, You Ask?
Suspension systems have come a long way, with a barrage of smarter and active systems once unheard of not that long ago. While we complain about a firm ride from time to time, a suspension is more than just something to cushion the blows. It keeps the car planted on the road and helps to lay the power down, too. But if you’re reading this, you probably know just how important it is by now.
Still, it’s worth emphasizing its importance, and to further drive that point home, we shall now show you in a backbreakingly hilarious manner.
For Science (And Entertainment)
Instagram page Mio’s Garage took a hapless Volvo V50 (a car this writer misses), likely an unwilling participant in this experiment. They took out its springs and shocks, and it appears to be fitted with stoppers to keep it upright. If you’ve always wondered what a static suspension setup looks like on stock height, well, here you go.
While it looked normal, it was anything but the moment it started moving. We won’t keep you waiting any longer for the result, so do check out the video below.
You’ll Appreciate Your Suspension After That
Even on the flattest of roads, the Volvo wagon was already skipping and hopping all over the place. If anything, it’s proof that no matter how flat a road appears to be, it’s never truly smooth.
On top of that, the de-sprung V50 could barely lay down the power. It’s not like it’s the T5 model, either, as it appears to be one of the lower-spec Euro models. We’re thinking it could be a 1.6- or 1.8-liter engine, neither of which barely muster 125 hp. Heck, the 1.6 made a grand total of 99 hp.
Driving over speed bumps was a skippy affair, and on cobblestone roads? Let’s just say our backs hurt just watching it all unfold. You can forget about compliance and articulation, too.
So, the next time you hop in a friend’s car with chopped springs, there is some saving grace. It could always be worse.
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