Is the multi-link beam system on the 4th Gen Max actually improve handling or was the 3rd Gen independent suspension better? Thanks

 

Cheaper to manufacture, but the multibeam is interesting. The shocks come in at an angle which provides a somewhat independent like system. I don't think it hurts handling all that much.

 

I have driven the 94Max--which wasthe last year they made the independent suspension and also I have a 97 GLE. I also drive my gf's 2000 altima which has the 4 wheeel independent suspension. In any case, I feel that The old 94 Max and the altima can take corners fast and tighter with less body roll than my 97--*jealous*
but it would have been nice to have the max with the power and everything that it was in the 4th generation still with independent suspensions...
oh well---one can only wish.

=)

 

A rear twist-beam axle suspension loses nothing in performance over a fully independent suspension ON FLAT ROADS (ie racetracks). On actual roads, though, a fully indep suspension would allow each wheel to follow the individual road contours better, hence traction is slightly better, but more importantly, ride comfort is improved. Remember, the 4th/5th gen Maximas don't use a solid axle rear, but a twist-beam rear, which does offer some independent action, just not quite like that of a fully indep rear. One wheel moving up and down will translate in only 30% the movement on the other wheel (for example, I don't know the actual percent dependence).

Keep in mind that very few rear suspensions are fully independent...even the 3rd gens...almost all cars with indep rears use rear sway bars, which by definition link the two wheels, causing some dependence.

In reality, the 4th/5th gen rear suspension handles very well, it's just harsher over bumpy pavement. When you add the rear sway bar (Stillen/ADDCO), you reduce the independence even more, making it even harsher...although overall, handling improves due to less roll and less understeer. I disconnected my ADDCO rear sway bar for a few weeks while waiting on a replacement bracket, and noticed that, while the car rolled more and overall handled a little worse, it felt smoother/more comfortable over bumpy turns...less "skipping" and jittering.

 

Before I got my 96 SE I owned a 92 SE. The independent rear was really neat. It helped the Max go through quick transitions wihtout much roll. The 3rd gen really handled nice. But lets not forget that the 4th gen. multi-beam keeps rear wheels flat on the road through out the travel of the suspension = good grip/stability. Take your pic it all depends on the driver and their preference.

For me I'll take independent rear.

 

I like the way my beam handles now I might not even get an RSB, things are pretty nuetral and provided you don't do something boneheaded like fly into a corner way to fast and jerk the wheel around, it handles well. Going into a corner fast and braking hard even kicks the rear end out, fun fun fun!

 

While I've never driven a 3rd Gen, I kinda like the 4th Gen's beam. I guess you can best describe it as an acceptable compromise. I really like the way that Nissan really worked it, too. The first time I realized that beam was not so bad is when I had my Honda CRX HF, 84 model. I looked under the car one day and saw that the rears were suspened by . . . A BEAM!! How can this car be so much fun to toss around and have that thing?? Then I saw later that other manufacturer's had toyed with this concept. You'll find a beam under the 1st gen Integra, the Audi 5000, and some other cars. None of those beams were developed as much as the Nissan version is. Not only does it approach the characteristics of a true independant suspension, but it saves space. You ever notice the back seat of other cars, like the Camry, aren't as roomy as the Maxima's?? Blame it on the beam. The max trunk is quite big and well shaped. The beam.

Do I think the beam is better than and independent rear?? If all I did was race, then yno. but since I do a whole lot of other things and have quite an extended family, the other beneifits of the beam really play out.

Check out this link to see more details on the Nissan Beam;

http://www.se-r.net/about/g20/scc/oct98/tb.html


DW