What is the difference between coilover suspension and regular suspension?
3 Answers
Coilover suspension and regular suspension differ in the following aspects: 1. Different functions: Compared to regular suspension, coilover suspension adds the ability to adjust height and damping, allowing it to adapt to more road conditions. 2. Different levels of convenience: Every time the suspension is adjusted, regular suspension requires replacing the entire set of shock absorbers OR springs. This not only consumes a significant investment but also causes a great waste of time. Coilover suspension only needs one set of shock absorbers, allowing damping to be adjusted via a knob and spring support force to be adjusted via preload, saving both financial investment and facilitating faster tuning.
As someone who frequently tinkers with modified cars, I think the biggest difference between coilover suspensions and regular suspensions is that coilovers allow height adjustment, making the car sit lower and look cooler. Regular suspensions come with a fixed height from the factory, providing a softer ride and less vibration on bumpy roads, making them more suitable for daily errands. With coilovers, you can adjust the height by simply turning the threaded collars—lowering the car improves cornering stability, making it much more exciting on mountain roads or tracks. However, setting it too low can cause the chassis to scrape over bumps, and rough roads become uncomfortably harsh, so professional installation and tuning are a must. Regular suspensions are simple, cheap, and easy to install with minimal hassle. Modifying with coilovers is all about fun and aesthetics—it turns heads on the road—but for daily commuting, regular suspensions are more practical and budget-friendly.
I've driven family cars for years, and regular shocks are better suited for daily commuters like me. They're designed to be simple and fixed, providing a comfortable ride without being too bumpy. Coilover suspensions are for car enthusiasts who love to play around with their vehicles, allowing for adjustable height settings—lowering the car can enhance handling, for example. However, they're more expensive, complicated to install, and require professional tools for adjustments. Regular shocks are reliable and cheap to maintain—just replace them when needed. Coilovers, when set too low, can easily scrape the undercarriage and are prone to oil leaks, requiring more frequent maintenance. During stop-and-go commutes, regular shocks with moderate stiffness absorb vibrations well, while coilovers set too stiff can cause back pain over time. So, the choice depends on your needs—regular shocks are safe, hassle-free, and a no-brainer.
