Over the course of the past week I've gone from an Eibach pro-kit to the H&R springs. It is a night and day difference between them. Had some set backs during the install, had to replace one strut (car is still low mileage so I didn't feel the need in replacing a pair). The drop on the front is the same between them they each measure 14.25" from the hub to the fender. The H&R springs do not have insulators on the coils and they have a full extra coil on the fronts. The rears are set up very similar to the Eibach springs yet they also do not have insulators. I didn't get to measure the rear pre-drop and I think it is slightly higher (but it seems to match the front gap better).
As far as the handling goes it really is a noticeable difference. These are very firm, but are not harsh at all. Even with my 19" wheels they just feel very planted and very German. One thing I missed from my previous car was the German handling and this comes pretty close.
Now on to the comparison pictures!
Eibach on top/H&R on bottom
Front Springs: Eibach on top/H&R on bottom
Rear Springs: Eibach on top/H&R on bottom
