SE or SEi Westfield

[DamienCBR]

I think i have found out what an SE is and an SEi from looking at some previous postings.

SE - Live axel

SEi - Independant rear suspension

Please can somebody explained what the difference is, which is better and which one normally commands a higher price when buying second hand. Also what is the best model to go for and why??

Cheers
D

[dern]

There's a fair bit about this on the wscc club site but you won't find any conclusions. The theory is that the live axle car has more unsprung weight but has fixed camber where as the independant has less unsprung weight and you can change the camber and so one but behaviour when the car rolls during cornering can get complicated.

I've had one of each and wouldn't personally say that one is any better than the other.

What you may find is that live axle cars are more frequently found on normal width cars and independant suspension is more frequently on widebody cars and that's much more important. While there is a case for the narrow car being lighter and more agile (although again, having had one of each, you'd be pushed to tell) you'll find that there is substantial amount more space in the wide body car which makes it easier to drive if you're taller and increases the size of the market when you come to sell it. I have people ready to give me money for my first westfield but unfortunately they couldn't get in it whereas a widebody car will take an altogether wider buyer.

Regards,

Mark