What is the difference between red and yellow springs?

Question

In Sonic Generations, you can find two types of springs through the Classic levels: red and yellow. Is there any difference between the two kinds of springs, or is it only to confuse innocent gamers?

Answer 1

Red springs propel you forward with more force than yellow springs do.

The Sonic Wikia notes:

Red ones propel Sonic to a higher elevation, while yellow ones only send Sonic a medium to low distance.

It's been this way as far back as I can remember.