Spring Preload vs Spring Length

I know most of the coils out there are linear coils. I also know that increasing preload on the linear spring increases stiffness in a linear fashion. My question is this: Is it not the same thing to preload a spring by an extra inch by compressing it like in a coil over as it is to take a spring that is an inch longer and stuff it into the same space as the first example before it was given 1" additional preload. Either way the spring is being compressed an addtional inch correct? This gives the same spring pressure does it not?