Torsion Beam Vs Multi Link: Who Wins the Battle?
What is the most common difference between a torsion beam and a multi-link suspension? One of the key differences between the two suspensions is the torsion beam is much cheaper than the multi-link, as the torsion comes with fewer components.
That’s not the end of the torsion beam vs multi link. When comparing suspensions, there are too many facts to discuss. The torsion beam and multi-link are familiar suspensions among the car’s owners. However, when choosing one, you may want to know every possible comparison fact.
This informative article will let you know all the information you need to sit calmly and determine what suspension you need with your car.
Torsion Beam Vs Multi Link
First, let’s look at a comparison table below about torsion beam and multi-link suspensions.
| Comparison Facts | Torsion Beam | Multi-Link |
| Durability | Impressive durability | Average Durability |
| Fuel efficiency impact | Ensures decent fuel efficiency | Not good in terms of fuel efficiency. |
| Ride comfort | Less comfortable. | Satisfying comfort due to independent wheel movement. |
| Space | Allow more space | Allows less space. |
| Compatibility | For smaller and cheaper cars | For larger or more expensive cars |
| Usability | Good for on-road driving | Decent for both on and Off-road driving |
| Price | Affordable price range | Expensive |
Does the above comparison table sound good? Then, at least, you can have some idea about the different facts of the two suspensions.
In addition, you can also check these videos to discover more about torsion beam and multi-link suspensions.
Now, we would like to elaborate the information above in the table. Due to this, you will be able to choose the perfect suspension for your car.
Difference Between Durability of Torsion Beam and Multi-Link
If you are looking forward to buying a car, you may consider the suspension’s durability in most cases. Luckily, the torsion beam and multi-link rear suspension provide impressive durability. However, if we compare the two suspensions regarding durability, the torsion beam is more durable because of the simple setup than the multi-link.
According to Wikipedia,
“The main advantages of a torsion bar suspension are soft ride due to elasticity of the bar, durability, easy adjustability of ride height, and small profile along the width of the vehicle.”
On the other hand, you will find a more complex setup with multi-link suspensions, ultimately impacting durability. Furthermore, discussing the maintenance, you’ll find more ease in maintaining the torsion beam suspension than the multi-link suspension.
But, as you probably go with the mechanic regarding any suspension problem, you may not want to think too much about suspension complexity.
Torsion Beam and Multi-Link Comparison Regarding Fuel Efficiency
The more weight you put on your vehicle, the more fuel it uses. That’s why if you compare the fuel economy of a large truck with a small passenger car, you will notice that the large truck uses more fuel. Here goes the fact of external weight.
Similar to this, the internal weight of a car also influences its fuel economy. Nonetheless, the torsion beam setup is lighter than the multi-link suspensions. Due to this, you can discover that the torsion suspension is more economical in fuel efficiency than the multi-link setups.
In recent days, people like to buy cars that are lightweight so that they can save a lot of fuel. Manufacturers also keep these facts in mind and use torsion beam suspensions more often.
Difference About Ride Comfort Regarding Torsion Beam Vs Multi-Link
Thinking about ride comfort before buying any car is a common fact. And suspension on cars plays a decent role in determining riding comfort. Nonetheless, you will find it slightly more comfortable driving a car with a multi-link suspension than a rear torsion beam suspension.
You already know that multi-link suspensions come with an independent setup. This feature helps the wheels move independently. What’s more, multi-link suspensions are preferable for off-road driving.
Besides, the multi-link suspensions come with three or more lateral arms and one or more longitudinal arms. These provide impressive rotational motion, guaranteeing ride comfort and smooth handling.
According to Auto Evolution News,
“Moreover, because such a suspension (multi-link) allows a vehicle to flex more, it’s also a very good solution for off-road driving.”
On the other hand, the ride comfort of the torsion beam is also good. Though the suspension comes with a dependent setup, you can adjust the bolts connecting the torsion beam to ensure better comfort.
But what about handling? Well, you have to compromise a bit with smoother handling if you compare the torsion beam with the multi-link.
Compatibility Difference between Torsion Beam and Multi-link Suspension
You can’t have any suspension on any car. So, it’s essential to know what suspensions come with what car. As we showed in the comparison article above, you will find the torsion beam suspension setup with the smaller cars, whose price is competitively lower.
The torsion beam was first produced in 1920-1923. But, the suspension came into the spotlight in the middle of the 20th century. A car like the Hyundai i20 N is a core example with torsion beam suspension. In addition, many Chrysler and other cars also have torsion beam setups.
“Torsion bar suspension can still be found on heavy vehicles, a cost-effective alternative to more advanced concepts. Some light trucks are equipped with torsion bars. Again here, because low cost prioritizes handling characteristics.” – Morten Kristoffersen on Quora.
On the contrary, if you want to buy a bigger car, jeep, or truck, you will find the multi-link suspension suitable. The multi-link suspension takes more space, and that’s why you may not find it with smaller passenger cars too often.
Check This Video to Learn How Multi-Link Suspension Works.
Price Difference Between Torsion Beam and Multi-Link
At the time, car manufacturers used to put multi-link suspensions with most of their cars. But suddenly, they realized that it became difficult for them to cope with the manufacturing cost. So, the alternative options for torsion beams came to light.
Nonetheless, torsion beam suspension is much more affordable compared to multi-link. The reason is the torsion beam suspension comes with fewer parts. In addition, the maintenance cost of the torsion beam suspension is also less than the multi-link.
Multi-link suspensions are more difficult to tune. And, when it comes to setting up the multi-link setup, the fact remains the same, you need to spend more money.
Long story short, if you want to buy a car with torsion beam rear suspension, you need to pay less money than buying a multi-link suspension car.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The torsion can be a good suspension if you consider durability above anything else. In addition, considering the price fact, you will find the torsion beam way more economical. But here’s a catch. If you tend to perform more off-road driving, picking the multi-link suspension is a good move. In addition, your personal preference is a subject of the matter here in this case.
Well, yes. The torsion beam is one of the best suspensions and has become the first choice for a huge group of car enthusiasts. Minimal design, lightweight causes decent fuel economy, lower price, and easy maintenance make the suspension even more effective for comparatively smaller cars. But then again, poor handling is still an issue with the torsion beam. But a few adjustments can help you ensure better handling.
The comfort of multi-link suspension is undisputed, thanks to the specialized axle setup that allows each wheel to move independently. This makes handling much easier for drivers, whether on-road or off-road. In addition, the suspension allows the vehicle to flex more, making the ride smoother and more comfortable.
The torsion beam is one of the most common suspensions. You can find this type of suspension on cars like the FK2 Honda Civic Type R, Renault Megane RS, modern trucks, and SUVs from GM, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, Isuzu, Chrysler, Ford, etc. In addition, most sport utility vehicles also come with torsion beam suspension. We see car manufacturers often use this suspension instead of independent suspension.
What Should Be Your Final Pick?
We have come to the finish line of our discussion on torsion beam vs multi link rear suspension. Finally, you’re probably in a situation where you can determine what rear suspension to go with and why. You have seen the pros and cons of two highly popular transmissions; now, it’s up to you.
To give a slight overview of what we have mentioned, going with the multi-link would be a better choice if you can spend more money. This helps you avoid worrying about improper handling and unsatisfying off-road driving.
On the other hand, there’s also no scope to avoid torsion beams. However, it will provide way more durability; fuel efficiency, and you can also fix handling issues, which won’t impact driving despite dependent wheel movement.
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