The overwhelming concensus is that if you're serious about suspension, go for coilovers. How are coilovers better than shocks/springs besides having the ability to change ride height. Can someone explain this to me?

 

because they cost more? j/k!

it's all about corner balancing, but half of the cheaper coilover kits won't let you do that (without preload) anyway... for most people it's about saying "i have such-and-such coilovers" unfortunately, when they'd be fine with a well valved shock and fixed spring rate.

 

Sorry for the newbie questions but what is 'corner balancing' and 'preload'?

I'm not interested in bragging rights. Just want a car that handles well on a track without knocking me around on our rough streets.

Thanks