Coilovers usually give you more adjustability depending on the setup but cost is higher, usually around $1000+. I haven't heard about unusually short lifespans unless you're doing dirt roads constantly.
Coilovers usually allow you to adjust ride height, strut dampening, sometimes even caster and camber. with the height adjustment you can corner balance the car for even better handling.

strut and spring combos are considerably cheaper starting around $400+ but you may only get a lowered, stiffer ride. installation is easier because you don't have to adjust the ride height, just bolt them in, realign the car and go.

Erik P.
Official 2GNT thread Hijacker
Some say that he's driven over more Covenant than he's shot, and that his grenades aren't where you'd expect them to be...
All we know is, He's not The Stig... But he is The Stig's Spartan cousin!