What is the Difference Between Four-Link and Five-Link Suspensions?
3 Answers
Here are the differences between four-link and five-link suspensions: 1. Shock Absorption: Four-link suspensions have poorer shock absorption; five-link suspensions offer better shock absorption. 2. Cost: Four-link suspensions are less expensive; five-link suspensions are more costly. 3. Characteristics: Four-link suspensions are a simple technical solution for shock absorption systems; five-link suspensions provide excellent smoothness and comfort. Below is additional information: 1. A five-link rear suspension can achieve the optimal position for the caster angle, significantly reducing longitudinal forces from the road surface, thereby improving smoothness and comfort during acceleration and braking. 2. It also ensures straight-line driving stability because the lateral displacement of the wheels due to the stretching or compression of the coil spring suspension is minimal, reducing the likelihood of uneven distances between the rear axle wheels relative to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, which could cause non-linear driving phenomena.
As a seasoned mechanic with over a decade of experience, the main differences between four-link and five-link suspensions lie in structural complexity and performance. The four-link setup typically consists of two lateral arms and two longitudinal arms, forming a stable quadrilateral frame that effectively controls tire sway during everyday driving. The five-link adds an extra control arm, creating a more precise pentagonal structure—like equipping the tire with five dexterous fingers that simultaneously manage vertical and longitudinal movement. At highway speeds, the five-link exhibits less body roll, while cornering increases tire contact patch. Particularly on rough roads, the five-link delivers finer vibration absorption, preventing uncomfortable jolts. However, the additional linkage means higher costs by several thousand dollars and more labor-intensive repairs.
Over the past six months, I've test-driven three cars with different suspension systems, and here's my honest take. The four-link suspension is perfectly adequate for city driving—it handles 60 mph turns with solid stability. But when I switched to a five-link setup, the biggest surprise was that glued-to-the-road sensation—the steering feels feather-light during 80 mph lane changes, without the slight tugging sensation you get with four-link systems. The difference is even more pronounced on rural roads: when the rear wheels hit potholes or gravel, they move independently rather than causing the whole chassis to wobble like with four-link suspensions. As for comfort, the five-link filters out vibrations remarkably well—I drove three hours on the highway without any back pain. Don't get me wrong though, four-link isn't inferior—it's still rugged enough for economy cars. Nowadays, teardown videos often compare these two structures, and you can spot the game-changer in five-link designs—that extra diagonal control arm visible in undercarriage shots.
