Bc Coilovers cost 540 quid or there about.
Eibach springs and koni shocks are a bit more.
You don't lower the spring seat on these coilovers cos you actually adjust the height of the shock body mount. (seperate collar)
Therefore you don't "ride the bumpstops" and lose any comfort even if you lower the car by 80mm (which you can easily).
Coilovers will *always* out perform springs and shocks. because you can tune them to your cars weight / driving style / power / braking and you have the added bonus of raising or lowering your car and adjusting firmness if you are going for a road trip / change rims etc..
"Coilovers" that are non adjustable (that people with vws tend to use) are not really Coilovers.
Sorry but unless you buy coilovers that are serious money then they just won't beat a properly set up springs and shocks setup.
You state that you can 'tune' coilovers to your cars weight, driving style etc ...
Well to tune coilovers to your cars weight ... I think you will find that is actually done by the spring poundage NOT the coilover itself.
How can you adjust coilovers to your driving style exactly?
I have been in a few cars with an electronic controller in them to change the rebound and damper and that's really the only coilovers that could out perform springs and shocks.
Please do tell me of owners who have coilovers are really change their ride height..
I'm not wanting to argue but as I said before 99% of coilover owners just slap them on the car 'deck it' and leave it there.
Most don't even bother corner weighting and some don't even think they need a full geo after either!
Also to go low you really need things like:
Adjustable caster
Adjustable camber arms
Anti bumpsteer kits
Roll center adjuster
And more!
But again.. most don't bother.. they just 'notch' the chassis so their drive shafts don't hit.