What is the Difference Between Double Wishbone Suspension and Double Transverse Arm Suspension?
4 Answers
The differences between double wishbone suspension and double transverse arm suspension are: 1. Different in nature: Double wishbone suspension has upper and lower wishbones, with lateral forces absorbed by both wishbones simultaneously, while the strut only bears the vehicle's weight; Double transverse arm suspension consists of two transverse arms and is an independent suspension where the wheels swing within the transverse plane of the vehicle. 2. Different in applicability: Double wishbone suspension is mostly used in supercars; Double transverse arm suspension is widely used in the front and rear suspensions of sedans. The functions of the suspension system are: 1. Transmit forces and torques between the wheels and the frame; 2. Cushion the impact and vibrations transmitted from uneven road surfaces to the frame or body; 3. Ensure the wheels move within a fixed angle to maintain stable steering; 4. Support the weight of the wheels; 5. Maintain good contact between the wheels and the ground.
The main differences between double-wishbone and double-lateral-arm suspensions lie in the arm design and performance characteristics. The double-wishbone's arms resemble A-shaped forks, enabling precise control of wheel alignment, reducing body roll, and offering superior handling—especially during high-speed cornering where tires maintain firm contact, minimizing skidding. Double-lateral arms feature a straighter, more horizontal layout with simpler construction, prioritizing comfort, though they exhibit slightly more body sway during turns. Modern performance models often favor double-wishbone setups, like certain BMW series, to enhance driving feedback, while double-lateral arms are more common in budget vehicles such as the Toyota Corolla due to lower costs and easier maintenance. Both utilize independent suspension principles, with real-world distinctions depending on specific tuning (e.g., damper-spring optimization can blur boundaries). For daily driving, double-wishbone delivers steadier handling and a sportier feel, ideal for enthusiasts; double-lateral arms provide softer rides suited for urban commutes. Maintenance-wise, double-wishbone systems have more complex components and pricier replacements, whereas double-lateral arm parts are affordable and widely available. Ultimately, the choice hinges on prioritizing control or comfort—test drives are recommended for evaluation.
After driving for many years, I've noticed distinct differences in the feel between double-wishbone and double transverse arm suspensions during driving. The double-wishbone setup makes wheel movements more precise, as if the car is glued to the road, offering smooth cornering with strong handling and minimal body roll. The double transverse arm suspension is more flexible, better at absorbing bumps—for instance, it reduces jolts on rough roads. The main differences lie in the arm design: double-wishbone arms form a V-shape, allowing more adjustment to enhance grip, while double transverse arms are straight and horizontally arranged, simplifying the design and cutting costs. Sports cars like Porsches often use double-wishbone, whereas family cars like the Honda Civic typically feature double transverse arms. From a driving perspective, tire wear is also related: double-wishbone keeps wheels vertical for even tire wear, while double transverse arms cause slight wheel camber, leading to uneven tread wear. I recommend considering the suspension type when buying a car, as it affects durability and maintenance cycles.
Discussing suspension types, both double-wishbone and double-lateral arm systems are fundamentally dual-arm independent setups. The double-wishbone design features forked arms that allow precise wheel angle adjustment, offering responsive handling and reduced wheel hop, making it common in track cars. The double-lateral arm system has simpler horizontally mounted arms, lowering structural complexity and costs, prioritizing comfort for urban use. The key difference lies in arm pivot heights affecting body dynamics: double-wishbone reduces roll angles for firmer tire contact; double-lateral arms provide better shock absorption to cushion impacts. Application depends on matching vehicle types to either sporty or commuting scenarios.
