suspension difference between 6th gen and 7th
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suspension difference between 6th gen and 7th
i know that 6th gen used double wishbone and 7th gen is currently using strout design, but what is difference between those two designs? what is cons and pros between two designs? And for those of you have owned 6th gen civics, is there difference in ride and handling?
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Rep Power: 0 Double-wishbone suspension does not necessarily equal amazing handling. It is a solid foundation to build upon, but there are plenty of excellent handling cars that use MacPherson struts, BMW 3-series, Subaru Impreza are two that come to mind.
Body roll is mainly a function of spring rate and sway bars, and does not have much to do with whether the suspension is strut or double-wishbone.
The reason this generation has "sloppier" handling is because spring rates and shocks have been revised downwards to provide more comfort. There is always a compromise between razor sharp handling or supreme comfort. In this generation, Honda has decided to lean the car more for general comfort, probably in response to the average Civic buyer who is looking for a daily commuter vehicle, so spring rates are softer and damping is less.
The advantage of double-wishbone in theory is that it reduces the variation in camber throughout the suspension travel. It minimizes how much the wheel deflects. With MacPherson strut, the wheel tends to deflect inwards when compressed (i.e. positive camber).
So why doesn't everybody use double-wishbone? For one thing, under most normal driving conditions the difference will not be noticeable. Only when you start pushing the car will you notice any difference. And even that can be clouded by the infinite other variables that can affect how a car handles: tire grip, tire size, shock damping, sway bars, ride height, etc. Also, double-wishbone takes up more space and costs more. The last two reasons are probably why Honda changed their cars from double-wishbone all around to strut in front.
Body roll is mainly a function of spring rate and sway bars, and does not have much to do with whether the suspension is strut or double-wishbone.
The reason this generation has "sloppier" handling is because spring rates and shocks have been revised downwards to provide more comfort. There is always a compromise between razor sharp handling or supreme comfort. In this generation, Honda has decided to lean the car more for general comfort, probably in response to the average Civic buyer who is looking for a daily commuter vehicle, so spring rates are softer and damping is less.
The advantage of double-wishbone in theory is that it reduces the variation in camber throughout the suspension travel. It minimizes how much the wheel deflects. With MacPherson strut, the wheel tends to deflect inwards when compressed (i.e. positive camber).
So why doesn't everybody use double-wishbone? For one thing, under most normal driving conditions the difference will not be noticeable. Only when you start pushing the car will you notice any difference. And even that can be clouded by the infinite other variables that can affect how a car handles: tire grip, tire size, shock damping, sway bars, ride height, etc. Also, double-wishbone takes up more space and costs more. The last two reasons are probably why Honda changed their cars from double-wishbone all around to strut in front.
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Honda Civic Forum
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6th, 7th, civic, difference, differences, double, gen, generation, honda, impreza, lx, si, subaru, suspension, wishbone
