What is the difference between double wishbone and multi-link suspension?
4 Answers
Here are the differences between double wishbone and multi-link suspension: 1. Different composition: The multi-link independent suspension consists of links, shock absorbers, and damping springs. The double wishbone independent suspension is composed of upper and lower unequal-length V-shaped or A-shaped control arms and a pillar-type hydraulic shock absorber, with the upper control arm usually shorter than the lower one. 2. Different characteristics: The multi-link suspension not only ensures a certain level of comfort but also minimizes body tilt to the greatest extent possible. The double wishbone independent suspension is characterized by high lateral stiffness, excellent anti-roll performance, strong grip, and clear road feedback. 3. Different drawbacks: The disadvantages of the double wishbone independent suspension include high manufacturing costs and complex suspension positioning parameter settings. Additionally, the complexity of maintenance and servicing is high. The drawbacks of the multi-link independent suspension are its relatively complex structure, significantly higher material costs, R&D testing costs, and manufacturing costs compared to other types of suspensions, as well as its large space occupation.
When researching suspension systems while car shopping, I learned that both double-wishbone and multi-link are independent suspension types, but they differ significantly. The double-wishbone uses just two wishbone-shaped arms, one upper and one lower, to control wheel movement—simple and direct in structure, offering stability during turns but with more noticeable bounce. The multi-link, on the other hand, employs multiple links and small arms to form a mesh-like design, allowing more flexible movement. It better absorbs road vibrations, enhancing driving comfort. Their essence lies in multi-point control with greater adjustment flexibility, commonly found in sedans or SUVs. Multi-link particularly excels in preventing skids on slippery roads. Double-wishbone is cheaper and easier to repair; multi-link has more components, making maintenance complex but offering longer lifespan. Simply put, double-wishbone suits sporty cars, while multi-link is more suitable for daily commuting.
I think the main difference between double wishbone and multi-link suspensions lies in the driving feel. I've driven cars with both. The double wishbone, like my old car, offers quick response and precise steering but is noticeably bumpy, especially when hitting potholes. The multi-link suspension, with multiple connecting components distributing pressure, provides more stability during turns and less vibration, making long drives less tiring. Both allow wheels to move independently, but the multi-link has more parts and higher costs—repairing a single link can be time-consuming and expensive, while the double wishbone's simpler structure makes replacements straightforward. Additionally, the multi-link performs better on rough roads, reducing tire wear and extending vehicle lifespan, which aids safe driving. The choice depends on needs: opt for double wishbone if performance is a priority, or multi-link for comfort.
Let's talk about suspension. The double-wishbone structure is simple with two arms controlling the wheel, making it cheaper to repair. The multi-link setup combines multiple small links, offering a more complex design that provides better cushioning. The difference lies in control precision and cost. Double-wishbone is commonly used in sports cars for its quick response, while multi-link is preferred in sedans for comfort.
