Sway and strut bar both help with overall handling and cornering. The optimum outcome is obtained by installing both bars. However, choosing both isn’t always doable.
So, should you acquire a sway bar or a strut bar?
While sway bars are used to link wheels, strut bars are used to connect strut towers. A sway bar also reduces body roll significantly better than a strut bar. Furthermore, a sway bar aids in the reduction of understeer. Finally, a sway bar is much easier to install than a strut bar.
Anyway, this is just a taste of the overall comparison. If you want to learn more about sway and strut bars, stick with us.
But, before we get into the details of the comparison, let’s take a look at some major distinctions.
| Aspects | Sway Bar | Strut Bar |
| Connection | Connects two wheels | Under the hood |
| Body Roll Reduction | Better | Good |
| Understeering | Far Better | Not Impressive |
| Cornering | Better | Good |
| High-Speed Cornering | Good | Better |
| Installation | Easier | Requires body parts change |
| Shelf Life | Shorter | Longer |
| Price | Cheaper | Pricy |
Sway Bar vs Strut Bar: Detailed Comparison
The table, however, does not provide a complete picture of the comparison. There’s a lot to compare and debate.
1. Suspension System Connection
The most significant distinction between the two body bars is their suspension system connection. Despite the fact that their goals are nearly identical.
To be more specific, a sway bar is a link between two-wheel arms. It maintains the weight distribution between the two wheels.
A strut bar, on the other hand, is connected to the suspension’s strut towers. A strut bar increases the car’s rigidity and lowers chassis flex.
The strut towers aren’t attached to the chassis directly. However, connecting a strut bar allows weight to be transferred between the two strut bars.
2. Reduction of Body Roll
When an automobile begins to corner, the weight of the vehicle tends to move to one side. The major goal of installing these body bars is to reduce that.
By joining both arms, a sway bar inhibits this movement. It will return portion of the force to the outside arm automatically. This aids the vehicle’s ability to stay on the road.
A strut bar, on the other hand, simply transmits force between two strut bars. Because strut towers are taller than wheels, they concentrate less weight.
A strut bar, on the other hand, ensures even weight distribution between two strut towers. Unfortunately, this is insufficient to compete with sway bars.
As a result, sway bars outperform strut bars in terms of body roll reduction.
3. Understeering
You want to avoid understeering during racing or in general. It refers to a car’s inability to stay on track due to a lack of steering.
Understeering is most commonly caused by stiff springs and strong shocks. They are, nonetheless, required for maintaining a good road grip.
Softening a sway bar, for example, will drastically minimize understeering. They have a big impact on understeering because they’re directly connected to the wheels.
A strut bar, on the other hand, helps to understeer significantly. Sway bars, on the other hand, are far more spectacular.
As a result, the sway bar will once again take precedence over the strut bar when understeering.
4. Cornering
Cornering is crucial whether you’re racing or just smashing around. Wheel cambers, in addition to body bars, play a role in cornering.
The wheels are directly affected by a sway bar. It also improves handling and weight distribution when combined with optimum camber.
A strut bar, on the other hand, adds weight, although not all cars require one. However, adding weight to an automobile can help it stay steady and avoid losing its balance.
Stability is also crucial at high speeds. When cornering, lighter cars with sway bars can easily flip.
A strut bar, on the other hand, will keep the car balanced during high-speed cornering.
Also, since we’re on the subject of sway and strut bars, here are some of our favorites.
You can now choose which ones you like best and purchase them!
5. Shelf Life
A sway bar rarely makes touches other suspension components. As a result, it may become worn out over time.
Strut bars, on the other hand, are exceedingly durable. A strut bar can survive for up to 6-10 years without generating any issues.
6. Installation
A sway bar is the easiest of the two-body bars to install. It is also less expensive than strut bars.
A strut bar, on the other hand, may need the removal of some space from a vehicle. You can’t install a rear strut bar without sacrificing trunk space, for example.
Front sway and strut bars are easier to install than rear sway and strut bars.
However, not every vehicle will be able to accommodate a strut bar under the hood. You are, however, free to attach a front strut bar.
So, in terms of installation, we’re going with sway bars.
Strut bar vs Sway bar: Which one you should choose?
Both the strut bar and the sway bar can be installed at the same time. If only one of the two is present, a sway bar should be added.
The strut bar links the two strut towers at their summits, reducing body flex. Essentially, they are showpieces.
Anti-roll bars, on the other hand, have a significant impact on performance. They work to reduce body roll by being affixed to the bottom of the suspension mounts. They are really beneficial, and you will notice a significant difference in sway bar installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the use of a strut bar help to reduce understeer?
A: A adjusted sway bar will always reduce understeer better. A strut bar, on the other hand, is effective at reducing understeer.
Q: Why aren’t car manufacturers providing them with strut bar or sway bar?
A: The production cost will be very high. Furthermore, while the strut or sway bar provides tighter steering when cornering, it reduces smoothness and causes the vehicle to wobble.
Q: Is chassis flex a problem?
A: An automobile with a robust chassis will accelerate quicker. However, when cornering, it can be a significant problem. Chassis flex will work in your advantage as long as the circuit has primarily straight lanes.
Final Thoughts
The balance bar acts directly on your chassis, it helps your car to be more balanced and safer when going through dangerous turns. Therefore, if you are looking to equip a balance bar accessory, you need to be technically savvy or get technical advice before installing them on your vehicle.