springs refer only to the springs in your suspension. Coilovers refer to an integrated spring/shock solution.
Springs are a static setup, meaning what you get is what you get. There is no adjustability in the amount of drop you get. Sometimes, the stock shock with an aftermarket spring is not the best combo and you might blow shock seals. Search and read reviews of what people thought of their setup. I have yet to mess with my suspension, but I had Tein springs on my Protege5 and I liked them. Springs are cheaper (250+).
Coilovers allow you to adjust ride height within a range. They should also be a better match between spring and shock. Coilovers are more expensive (1000+).
Just fyi, springs are what hold up your car, shocks are what damp (control) the rate at which your springs compress and rebound. If you didn't have shocks or if your shocks are bad, your vehicle would just be bouncing all over the place.
tj, what part of Houston are you in?
