Struts vs. Coilovers: Which One Makes More Sense for Your Build

Key Takeaways

• Coilovers offer customizable performance, handling, and ride height while struts provide everyday comfort.
• Coilovers let you fine-tune ride height and stiffness, while struts offer little to no adjustment.
• Coilovers enhance cornering and responsiveness, while struts provide a smooth, steady ride.

When it comes to upgrading your suspension, struts and coilovers are two popular options, each with their own strengths. Although they’re often mentioned together, they have distinct differences that can affect your car’s performance and handling. In this article, we’ll discuss the features of coilovers and struts and which one makes the most sense for your ride.

Difference Between Coilovers and Struts

Coilovers and struts are often considered the same because they both support your car’s suspension system. They keep your car in contact with the road while absorbing any bumps along the way. However, if you analyze coilovers vs. struts, the main difference is adjustability.

Coilovers are more suitable for high-performance cars because they combine a coil spring and shock absorber into a single adjustable car part. It’s also quite easy to lift or lower the suspension of your car by making a threaded adjustment on the coilover. 

An easily adjustable coilover allows you to change the ride height, stiffness, and handling response to exactly how you need it, which is ideal for controlling performance and stance.

What Are Struts?

A strut is like the structural backbone of your suspension, holding it all together while keeping your ride smooth and stable. It’s basically a shock and a spring joined together, and it helps absorb impacts on the road while you’re driving. 

It is a standard component of most factory suspensions, providing reliable performance but limited flexibility on how your ride feels or looks.

What Are Coilovers?

In a side-by-side look at coilovers vs. struts, coilovers are a more advanced option. They’re built by combining a shock absorber and a surrounding coil spring into one part that can be adjusted to precise measurements. 

Coilovers are the perfect option for performance builds because they let you lower the ride height and fine-tune handling to exactly how you need it. 

You’ll usually see coilovers on cars built for track days, so this is one of the main differences between struts, which are mainly found on everyday rides.

Comparing Struts and Coilovers

When comparing these suspension parts, it’s helpful to consider how adjustability affects different aspects. Here, we’ll compare coilovers vs. struts in terms of adjustability, performance, handling, and ride quality.

Adjustability of Suspension

When it comes to adjustability, we’re probably looking at the main difference. Here’s a comparison of how you can adjust struts and coilovers:

• Struts: Struts are typically not adjustable, although some vehicles offer limited alternatives, such as “sport” or “comfort” versions. They are manufactured for ordinary people who own cars, so they are usually non-adjustable.
• Coilovers: When it comes to adjustability, coilovers offer much more than struts. They provide the ability to adjust ride height and shock damping. As a result, car enthusiasts often use them to improve performance, comfort, and vehicle stance.

Performance and Handling

Coilovers outperform struts by offering better performance and handling. This is how coilovers vs. struts compare in terms of these aspects:

• Struts: Although they perform well for everyday driving, struts lack the performance and customization options that coilovers offer. They are effective at keeping your car steady over bumps and potholes, but they don’t do much to improve cornering or reduce body roll.
• Coilovers: Coilovers enhance cornering and minimize body roll by reducing your car’s center of gravity, resulting in more controlled and stable handling. You’ll notice the difference between coilovers and struts when you adjust the damping, resulting in improved responsiveness and a smoother ride.

Quality of Ride

In a comparison of struts vs. coilovers, these suspension parts differ in how smooth or firm your drive feels. Here’s how each option affects ride quality:

• Struts: Struts provide a smooth and comfortable ride in various conditions. They absorb impact and maintain your comfort level, even when you’re driving on uneven roads.
• Coilovers: Coilovers can be precisely fine-tuned to enhance the ride quality. They provide exceptional grip and responsiveness, but also make you more aware of every detail on the road.

Which Suspension Fits Your Driving Style?

If you line up struts vs. coilovers, the choice ultimately depends on your driving style, objectives, and budget. Here’s some advice that can help you decide:

When to Choose Struts

Struts are an ideal option if price and comfort are your main concerns. Since they’re made for daily use, they’re perfect if you spend a lot of time driving on streets and highways.

For example, a daily commuter vehicle like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla uses struts to provide a comfortable ride for daily commuting.

When to Choose Coilovers

A big difference between coilovers and struts is that coilovers provide complete control over ride height, dampening, and handling. When comparing struts vs. coilovers, enthusiasts seeking high-performance handling and ride quality typically opt for coilovers.

Street coilovers, such as those from BC Racing and TEIN, are designed for daily driving and occasional track use. Track coilovers, on the other hand, are designed for maximum grip and performance, featuring firmer springs and stronger damping. These coilovers feature brands such as KW and Bilstein.

Making the Right Choice for Your Ride

Coilovers are often preferred by performance drivers or those looking to lower their ride height, while struts are typically sufficient for the needs of everyday drivers. Ultimately, the choice between struts vs. coilovers depends on your vehicle and how you plan to use it.

At Redline360, we offer authentic coilovers and struts, allowing you to compare the differences between top brands on our website. Browse our collection today and find the perfect suspension upgrade for your ride.