hambone wrote:..... it's ride is somewhat higher.
agreed, I think it's ride is somewhat higher than what you would expect it to be based on it's design.
I don't understand why people think they ride too high
I think you understand just fine.
from a design perspective, cars look better with a minimal amount of gap inbetween the front fender and the top of the tire. the beetle, at stock, has a near ridiculous amount of gap at the front fender.
this is what it looks like at stock with the tallest tires you would ever put on the front of a bug, and with the front tire squished a bit because of the angle of the road I took this shot on:
do I think that looks good? Yes, I think it looks great. It feels a little squirrely at high speeds and around corners, but I could drive it off road without worrying about hitting the underside at with brush - which isn't exactly the style of driving I am planning to do with this car.
I just think this looks better. less gap between the fender and the top of the tire. plus I think it drives much nicer for how I drive and where. on the highway it feels more confident in it's stance, and turning and cornering just feels like its better planted. I get less front wheel squeal taking corners at medium speeds, where before Id hardly carry any speed into the corner and the front tires would always chirp like I was going way too fast.
Anyway thats my case for wanting to lower the beetle in a legitimate way.
I have to admit though, I am not faithful to any school of thought when it comes to customizing a car. I like things jacked up, slammed to the ground on airbags or left bone stock, it all depends on what your wanting to achieve.