5-Link vs. Double wishbone

[tc3house]

The new Mazda MX-5 has 5 link suspension in the rear, replacing the the double wishbones of the previous generations. What is the difference and/or advantages of 5-link over double wishbone?

Thanks

[RandomTask]

5 link is a solid rear axle whilst double wishbone is had live axles/ independent suspension. On any 5 link system, the axle is still moving on a radius. In this sense, from suspension compression, the wheelbase will increase/ decrease. Theres so much more, but if you google it, I'm sure plenty of information to compare the two will pop up...

[Black Lotus]

From what I was able to glean from a itty bitty Motor Trend picture--
5 links for each rear wheel. This could do the SAME job as a reasonably designed double A-arm rear suspension. No better, no worse from a pure handling standpoint. Also, if Mazda didn't get the previous models' rear suspension right- this may be an improvement.
The new Mazda suspension may also offer a better trade-off from the standpoint of ride quality vs. handling precision. You can custom tune all the separate rubber bushings to give you the exact compliance you need under specific situations.
The most current race cars have double A-arm rear suspensions, not multiple links, because of space contraints and rigidity, So the new MX-5 suspension is obsolete for a front-line race car.
Then again, if I read the picture wrong, I'm all wet!

[Moppie]

5 link, with a live axle is a lot cheaper to manufactor.
From Mazda's perspective that is all that matters.

From a handling/driving perspective an independant double wishbone setup is far superior.
Its lighter, has less un-sprung weight and offers far greater control over wheel geometry during compression and expansion of the suspension.


Im surprised Mazda has reverted to a live axle set up?
Are you sure you got your information correct?
Its a bit of a step backwards into the stone age as far as chassis technology is concerned, and I thought they were out of thier finnacial troubles and had no reason to employ such cheap nasty cost saving exercies.

[Moppie]

Ok, according to the specs here: http://www.mazda.co.nz/MX5/specs.aspx

The new MX5 still use's the double wishbone set up.

Prehaps you mean that each wheel has 5 suspension links instead of the traditional 4 on most double wishbone set ups?
If so then an extra link just gives more control of wheel movement.
It may control camber or toe changes, or it may give some passive rear wheel steering.
Its also possible they have simply called the sway bar a 5th link, which is nothing more than a cheap marketing trick.