Can someone please tellm e what the benefit of haing a swing axle tranny is???

[BuG60]

Ok, so I'm building this monster, its a 70 bug, i'm fitting a g60 engine, worked up to 300-325 hp / 340 ftlbwith the 24lb pulley, and 270 / 290 with the 14 lb pulley. I called up rancho trans. and asked some basic questions, and he told me that if I plan on running the bug in the 1/4, i'm MUCH better off with a swing axle. The car is IRS now, and am not too sure as to what exactly has to be done to the suspension, or any other part of the car to modify it to fit a swing axle trans. What benefits, or costs does the swing axle have over the IRS, and vice versa. I remember he was telling me the physical differences, and that its 15 lbs lighter, but is there any loss of handling, or ride feel?

This car IS meant for the strip, but its also meant for the street / nice sundays / local shows / what ever.....

Thanx for any info
-Mike