Which Type of Suspension is Better?

[Wright]

Most passenger cars use independent front suspensions, which come in four types: MacPherson strut, multi-link, double-wishbone, or double A-arm. MacPherson strut suspension: The MacPherson strut is one of the most popular independent suspensions today. Due to its compact structure, it effectively maximizes interior space and enhances driving comfort. However, the straight-tube design of the MacPherson strut makes it less resistant to lateral impacts and prone to brake dive. Multi-link suspension: The multi-link suspension is a more advanced type, which can be further divided into four-link, five-link, etc. It uses more components and has a complex structure, occupying more space and costing significantly more. As a result, it is rarely used in small and mid-sized vehicles. But complexity has its advantages. The multi-link suspension provides excellent handling stability and reduces tire wear during driving. Double-wishbone suspension: Also known as double A-arm independent suspension, it features upper and lower A-arms that simultaneously absorb lateral forces during turns, effectively reducing body roll. Most sports cars use double-wishbone front suspensions, making it a suspension designed for performance. Double A-arm suspension: The double A-arm suspension shares many similarities with the double-wishbone suspension but has a simpler structure, acting as a simplified version. Its performance sits between the MacPherson strut and double-wishbone suspensions, with moderate size and decent sportiness, commonly found in A-segment and B-segment family cars.

[LaCarson]

After driving for so many years, I think choosing the suspension type depends on your usage scenario. If you drive mostly in the city, independent suspension is more comfortable, making the ride smoother over speed bumps. For highway driving or winding mountain roads, independent suspension also keeps the car more stable. If you're on a tight budget, non-independent torsion beam rear suspension offers better value—it's affordable to repair and durable. Of course, some high-end cars now use adjustable suspensions that automatically adapt to road conditions, but they're expensive upfront and costly to maintain. I recommend mid-range cars with independent suspension for ordinary families as the most cost-effective choice.

[McGeorge]

For friends who pursue handling performance, independent suspension is definitely the way to go, especially for those who enjoy mountain roads and highways. This type of suspension minimizes body roll during cornering, provides stronger tire grip, and delivers more direct steering feedback. Sport-tuned independent suspensions are slightly firmer but offer excellent support, making emergency lane changes exceptionally stable. Remember, while a stiffer suspension sacrifices some comfort, it significantly enhances driving pleasure. Some sports cars even feature adaptive suspensions that can adjust stiffness according to different driving modes.

[CarmenLynn]

Budget-conscious car owners should prioritize non-independent suspensions, as they are simple, durable, and have affordable, easily replaceable parts. While independent suspensions offer better performance, their maintenance costs are higher, especially multi-link suspensions which have more components prone to minor issues. Torsion beam suspensions perform adequately on flat roads and require minimal maintenance. When choosing a car, focus on the chassis build quality and shock absorber performance. Many taxis use this type of suspension and run hundreds of thousands of kilometers without major problems.