The air suspension vs. coilovers debate has a similar nature to the manual and automatic transmission debate. While the air suspension system is more modern and feature-packed, coilovers are great for performance and maintenance-free.
Which one should you get? Let’s find out!
Air Suspension
Air suspension, also known as air bags or just “air ride,” works similarly to air balloons. This air suspension system helps carry your car’s weight by replacing the regular OEM suspension setup.
The air bags are connected to an air reservoir and air compressor. This air compressor helps inflate the air bags. As a result, the car’s ride height is raised. Moreover, if you talk about the ride performance and handling, the more the air, the stiffer the ride.
Now that was all the normal functions of air bag suspension setup. What’s unique here is the control unit on a Bluetooth app or inside the car.
Thus, you can change ride height using the control unit by adjusting the airbags’ air. For instance, if you want a higher ride, inflate the air bags using the Bluetooth unit and vice versa.
Benefits of Air Suspension
Air suspension systems are incredibly flexible, which is essentially the standout feature. As a result, users love the ability to change ride height as per their need, anywhere they are.
You wouldn’t have to park it in the garage and do a mechanical process as conventional suspension systems require.
So, there is no issue if you have a slammed car and come across a high ramp or speed bump. Simply inflate the airbags, increase the ride height, and pass over while sitting in your car.
In fact, it is a convenience of Bluetooth control that attracts so many people out there. You don’t even have to be inside the car to use the feature.
Moreover, air suspension systems have the incredible ability to carry heavy things. As a result, if you wish to take a heavy item in the back, it will ensure the ride height stays level.
Drawbacks of Air Suspension
Air ride suspension systems have a lot of advanced features. However, all the advanced moving parts come at a cost. Since so much is going on, you will suffer from higher maintenance and repair costs.
Moreover, air suspension isn’t as reliable as conventional coil overs in the long run. Additionally, it is at a greater risk of breaking because there are so many moving parts.
Also, while it is not as reliable, a complete air suspension system will cost you a lot. So, you must decide whether the convenient features are worth the compromise on reliability and cost.
Coilovers
Coilovers are commonly used in various vehicles, including passenger cars, 4×4 rides, and race cars. Sometimes new cars also come with coilovers as a factory suspension system.
Moreover, coilovers come in two different types: slip-on coilovers and full coilovers. Slip-on coilovers are less popular since you must buy the springs and damper separately and assemble them.
However, full coilovers come assembled alongside a matched shock absorber from the factory. Moreover, you can adjust ride height and damping settings on coilovers as per need. In fact, Coilovers also enable caster and camber angle adjustment if the car suspension supports.
Hence, coilovers make a highly adjustable suspension system, making them more popular than strut assemblies. As a result, a wide range of companies produces aftermarket coilovers, given the high demand.
Benefits of Coilovers
Coilovers are essentially designed to give you more power over your suspension’s performance. As a result, the ability to tune your coilovers to customize ride performance makes them a perfect fit for riding on the track.
You can adjust rebound rate, spring rate, and dampening compressions. On top of that, coilovers don’t cost a lot. So you can easily find a solid coilover kit in a budget-friendly range starting from $300 and above.
Moreover, there is a diverse variety of coilovers out there. You can get the basic ones or go for intermediate or advanced coilovers. In each case, you will get more features and adjustment capabilities the higher you pay.
Drawbacks of Coilovers
Coilovers are great for suspension customizations and hardcore tracks. However, they lack behind when it comes to flexibility. Hear me out.
All the adjustment features that come with coilovers require you to go through a wholly mechanical process. So, you would have to park the car in your garage and spend a hefty amount of time and effort to get things done.
As a result, it is not convenient to customize the ride height, no matter how good the outcome. In some cases, you might even have to pay a hefty amount to a mechanic to do his magic on the coilovers.
Lastly, coilovers are far behind for daily driving when compared to air suspension systems. This is because the suspension system is designed to boost performance for track riding.
However, that is not to say that there aren’t coilovers suitable for daily spirited driving.
Air Suspension vs. Coilovers: Overall Comparison
So far, we have discussed both suspension systems in detail. However, I am sure a head-to-head comparison will clarify any confusions you might have. Moreover, it will help you decide which suspension system is more suitable for your ride. So let’s get right into it!
Maintenance
Maintenance is one of the key indicators when deciding between a coilover or air suspension kits. If you are someone who is OK with regular maintenance, including the costs, air suspension modifications will work like a charm. However, for those who wish for a maintenance-free ride, coilovers are the better option.
Even though air suspension is a pretty advanced system, it is still far from perfect. Therefore, you would have to regularly ensure it is in excellent condition for a smooth and soft ride.
Moreover, you will also have to bear the hefty maintenance costs unless you learn to do it yourself.
On the other hand, coilovers are practically maintenance-free. You can install coilovers and forget they are even there. But, of course, this is not to say they don’t require any attention at all.
In fact, you would have to keep an eye on the threads every now and then to ensure they are not gummed up. However, that is pretty much the only thing you need to look over.
Also, standard coilovers can last from five to six years of torture. However, this will heavily depend on how much you care about them.
Purpose of Us
This section mainly deals with your expectations from suspension systems. For instance, where do you plan to ride your car, and what do you want out of its performance and handling?
Air suspension kits offer a smoother ride, a slammed look, and unmatched adjustability. On the contrary, coilovers are designed to improve the overall ride performance. As a result, you will enjoy better car handling and superior predictability.
Moreover, if the vehicle requires a lot of weight, air suspension can handle it well. On the other hand, coilovers don’t offer the same level of balance due to their lack of ability to handle heavy weights.
So yes, if you want track-level performance, go for Godspeed coilovers. Or, if you want a smooth daily ride to the office with better features, go for air suspensions.
How Much to Lower the Car
This is where air suspension kits are far superior to coilovers. It allows you to lower your car and back at a higher height, all with the convenience of a control unit.
On the other hand, coilovers just aren’t as straightforward. You would have to take out your wrench and spend a good amount of effort and time lowering the ride height. And when it’s time to bring it back up, you must repeat the process.
As a result, if, on average, you prefer a lower ride height, airbags are the more convenient option. Dealing with coilovers will often become annoying because of the ride height adjustment. Moreover, air bags can also get you far lower than coilovers.
Price
Price is another factor that has an evident difference between the two. You can get Coilovers starting from as low as $300. Whereas air suspension kits are far more expensive.
However, this is not to say that coilovers can’t be expensive. You can also get fully modernized kits for a few thousand dollars or as high as you want to go. However, you don’t get the budget-friendly range with air suspension kits.
Ride Quality
In terms of ride quality, many people find Coilovers harsher over speed bumps. On the other hand, air suspension bags offer a much more seamless glide over any speed bumps. This results in a smoother ride experience.
Moreover, air bags also offer a better ride quality even with additional weight on the car. In fact, they can even protect the car from sagging and wheel bumping into the rear.
Additionally, air suspension kits typically offer a better ride quality for daily driving. As a result, unless you are dying for that track ride performance, getting air bags for your daily ride is a wise choice.
Looks
Let’s be honest; everyone likes a sleek-looking ride. That is something you can achieve with air bags. They offer a highly slammed look that can attract any eye on the road.
As a result, if you are someone who frequently attends car events, air bags are the right choice for you. In addition, the fact that you can literally lower or increase ride height with the touch of a button comes in incredibly handy.
On the other hand, coilovers are full of work when it comes to going low. So you need more time and effort to achieve a fancy, slammed look.
Air Suspension vs. Coilovers FAQs
Air bags or Coilovers for off-roading?
Yes, air suspension bags are designed to handle bumps and rough terrain. As a result, you will be far better with air bags than coilover for off-roading. The smooth glide experience, thanks to the differing air pressure, helps you feel the terrain as less as possible.
Is air suspension good for daily driving?
Yes, air suspension offers a smooth riding experience. In fact, it can handle daily bumps pretty well. As a result, using them for everyday driving is a treat for anyone looking for comfort and advanced features.
Are air bags better than Coilovers for WRX?
If you wish to take your WRX to a show car event every now and then, air suspensions are better. You can reduce ride height with a button whenever you are there and easily get it back to normal.
Air suspension vs. Coilovers for towing?
Air suspension can handle weight better than coilovers. So, you must choose air suspension bags for a more balanced and smooth ride while towing.
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