I've heard that too. We just bought a '07 SL AWD 3 weeks ago and I'm pretty happy with the handling, and i like a stiff feel the road ride. Our other car is a 350Z and I love its handling, ride, etc.

I test drove a SE but didn't notice a great difference, tho I didn't drive it very hard or over rough roads.

 

I can't say I notice anything in terms of a stiff ride with my SE. Although I never drove an SE and SL back to back to really do a comparison. Maybe I just like my MO so much that I'm oblivious.

 

Unfortunately the spring/damper rates for the SE are not published (that I know of), so all we know is that it they are firmer for better road feel and handling. I find the ride of my SE firm but not uncomfortable, but I am the type who will trade ride quality for handling without a second thought. Even the SL handles well I think, but neither the SL nor SE will be as good as a car with a lower center of gravity.

 

...............Even the SL handles well I think, but neither the SL nor SE will be as good as a car with a lower center of gravity. .............

You said the magic word!

 

I actually did notice a difference between them.

My 04 SE rides pretty firm. I test drove a 07 SL and it was definitely a little softer. Not to the point of being squishy, but it wasn't quite as harsh as my SE.

The only other things I can account for are that the 07 had brand new tires and no wear on the suspension.

 

Unfortunately the spring/damper rates for the SE are not published (that I know of)

That's annoying, I'd like to know the exact differences.

Do you think putting SL springs on an SE would be ok and give it a bit of a softer feel?

 

That's annoying, I'd like to know the exact differences.

Do you think putting SL springs on an SE would be ok and give it a bit of a softer feel?

Sure I don't see why not.

 

There is a noticable difference in the ride and the SL is more comfortable if you want a smooth, cushy ride.
The SE handled quicker for a slightly safer driving situation and that is what I opted for since I had teenagers...

Also, just traded up from '04 SE AWD to '09 LE AWD and first impression is that it handles slightly better than the '04 SE ever did and the ride seems smoother as well.

 

Sure I don't see why not.

I drove both before I got my '07 SL and I don't think the SE ride is uncomfortable at all. I really would prefer the SE ride and handling but couldn't find an SE the color and equiped the way I wanted it. But after driving my Z everything rides smoother.

 

But after driving my Z everything rides smoother.

Good point. Ride quality is relative.

I recently drove a 1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille (with a gargantuan 500 cid engine) and was amazed at how smooth the car rode. It was as if the wheels were not touching the road. Then reality took over when I made a sharp left-hand turn and thought the right front tire was about to buckle in. Handling be damned, it was an unbelievably-smooth ride.

-njjoe

 

Let me preface wanting a softer ride on the MO (becuase I feel like a wuss). The MO is actually for wife and kids. My last car was lowered on coilovers with 40 series tires, so I don't find the SE ride harsh. However, from my first test drive I was expecting a much softer ride from an "SUV". Also, I didn't expect road irregularities to have such a noticeable impact in the cabin. But since the roads in my hood are pretty good, it was virtually a non-issue and we love everything else about the Moe.

I recently drove a 1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille

502ci......Sweeeeet :1: