There are two types of car body structures, unibody, and body-on-frame structure. Let's see what these are and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
Body on-frame structure
In such a structure, the body and the frame are made as two separate parts, These are bolted together and connected. This structure is most commonly used in SUVs and trucks. It is very strong and heavy, In the body on frame structure, almost all the components are attached to the frame, So the frame is built to be heavy and strong.
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The unibody structure is used in almost every car seen on the streets today. The body and frame are integrated into a single-piece structure. Since it is a single-piece rigid structure, the stresses experienced in it are distributed throughout the structure. So it does not have to be built too heavy.
more load-carrying capacity, The frame is heavy and strong and can withstand bending forces.
Can be used for heavy towing purposes, Because the frame is very strong.
Due to the high ground clearance it causes body roll, It also adversely affects handling.
It is not a structure that can accommodate more crumple zones compared to a unibody structure.
Ground clearance of vehicles with such a structure will be higher, Therefore, the torsional stiffness must be such that it can withstand the twisting force generated here.
Eg: Ford Endeavour, Toyota Fortuner
Unibody structure
The unibody structure is used in almost every car seen on the streets today. The body and frame are integrated into a single-piece structure. Since it is a single-piece rigid structure, the stresses experienced in it are distributed throughout the structure. So it does not have to be built too heavy.
Eg: Maruti Suzuki Swift, Honda City
Advantages of the body on frame structure
Ground clearance is high, This improves off-roading.more load-carrying capacity, The frame is heavy and strong and can withstand bending forces.
Can be used for heavy towing purposes, Because the frame is very strong.
Disadvantages of the body on frame structure
Heavyweight adversely affects fuel economy, acceleration, and braking.Due to the high ground clearance it causes body roll, It also adversely affects handling.
It is not a structure that can accommodate more crumple zones compared to a unibody structure.
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Low ground clearance improves handling and reduces body roll.
Low manufacturing cost, Mass production is possible as it is used in almost all cars.
Safer, In the event of a collision, the energy generated there is fully distributed throughout the body, It is also an ideal structure to accommodate more crumple zones.
Advantages of the unibody structure
Lightweight improves fuel efficiency, acceleration, and braking.Low ground clearance improves handling and reduces body roll.
Low manufacturing cost, Mass production is possible as it is used in almost all cars.
Safer, In the event of a collision, the energy generated there is fully distributed throughout the body, It is also an ideal structure to accommodate more crumple zones.
Disadvantages of the unibody structure
Cannot be used for heavy towing purposes.
Off-road use is not possible due to low ground clearance.
Expensive to repair.
Off-road use is not possible due to low ground clearance.
Expensive to repair.